6 Easy Ways to Conserve Water During Denver’s Stage 1 Drought
Welp… it’s official. Denver is in Stage 1 drought conditions, and the city is asking residents to cut water use by 20%.
Before you panic and swear off showers forever—don’t worry. This isn’t about drastic lifestyle changes. It’s about being a little more thoughtful with how we use water day-to-day.
And honestly? Some of these are kind of fun.
First—What Denver Is Asking You to Do
Under Stage 1 drought guidelines, Denver Water is encouraging (and in some cases enforcing) a few key changes:
Limit lawn watering to 2–3 days per week
Avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day (10am–6pm)
Fix leaks promptly
Reduce overall indoor water use
Be mindful with outdoor watering (lawns, gardens, etc.)
No water police helicopters… just a collective effort to use less. Here are a few ways you can conserve:
1. Catch That “Waiting for Hot Water” Water
You know that awkward 30–60 seconds waiting for the shower or sink to heat up?
Don’t let it go down the drain.
Stick a bucket under the faucet
Use that water for plants, pets, or even cleaning
It’s one of those tiny habits that feels weird for a week… then becomes oddly satisfying.
2. Water Your Yard Like You Live in Colorado (Because You Do)
Colorado ≠ tropical rainforest.
Water early morning or evening only
Stick to 2–3 times per week
Adjust sprinklers so you’re not watering the sidewalk (we promise it’s not thirsty)
If your lawn gets a little crispy? It’ll bounce back. Promise.
3. Shorter Showers… or “Team Showers” 😏
Look, we’re not here to micromanage your shower time…
But shaving off even a couple minutes helps.
Or, you know… shower with a friend.
Efficient and environmentally responsible. We’re just saying.
4. Run Full Loads—No Exceptions
Half-full dishwasher? Wait.
Two shirts in the washing machine? Also wait.
Running full loads:
Saves water
Saves energy
Makes you feel weirdly accomplished
5. Fix Leaks Before They Become a Whole Thing
That tiny drip isn’t harmless.
A single leaky faucet or running toilet can waste thousands of gallons a year.
Quick checks:
Toilets that keep running
Outdoor hose connections
Kitchen and bathroom sinks
Most fixes are cheap—and way easier than you think.
6. Consider Drought-Friendly Landscaping (Your Future Self Will Thank You)
If you’ve ever dreamed of less yard work… this is your moment.
Swap some grass for:
Native plants
Mulch or rock
Drip irrigation systems
It uses less water, requires less maintenance, and still looks amazing.
Why This Actually Matters
Colorado’s water supply isn’t unlimited—and drought cycles are part of life here.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. If everyone cuts back just a little, it adds up fast.
Thinking About Buying or Selling?
Water efficiency is becoming a bigger deal for Denver buyers—especially when it comes to landscaping and monthly costs.
If you’re wondering how your home stacks up (or what buyers are looking for right now), let’s talk. Book a Discovery Meeting today!
