Colorado Residents Replaced Lawns Amid Water Restrictions
As water-wise landscaping spreads across Colorado, homeowners are navigating new municipal bans and HOA rules.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Landscaping
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Colorado homeowners increasingly replaced grass lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping this summer to comply with mandatory municipal water restrictions. Nearly 10,000 residents participated in local programs like Resource Central's Garden In a Box to transition their properties.
Why it matters
Statewide drought conditions and low-snow winters have necessitated stricter utility rules, forcing residents to adapt their yards to conserve water. These shifts impact ongoing maintenance expectations and property aesthetics as homeowners balance conservation with local requirements.
Lafayette residents achieved a 13% reduction in water use by August 31, exceeding the city's 10% goal. Statewide, 10,000 Coloradans across 70 communities participated in the Garden In a Box program to replace sod with water-wise plants.
The players
Denver Water
The primary water utility provider for 1.5 million customers that manages regional drought resolutions and supply infrastructure.
Resource Central
An organization that manages the Garden In a Box program to help residents transition to water-efficient landscaping.
The details
Homeowners remove traditional sod and install drought-tolerant varieties that require significantly less irrigation. To maintain remaining turf efficiently, residents use a soak-cycle-soak method, which involves watering for 15 minutes, pausing for 45 minutes, and watering for another 15 minutes to maximize soil absorption and prevent runoff.
Timeline
April 10, 2026: Lafayette implemented Stage 1 watering restrictions.
May 2026: The Town of Erie implemented voluntary water cuts.
August 26, 2026: Denver Water amended its drought resolution.
August 31, 2026: Lafayette reported a 13% reduction in water use.
October 1, 2026: Denver Water lawn watering ban begins.
The Home Front
Colorado Senate Bill 23-178 prohibits HOAs from fining residents for brown lawns resulting from local water restrictions. This legislation provides a vital legal shield for homeowners attempting to comply with state-mandated water reductions while managing community standards.
Check your local municipal water portal to confirm if your area is under Stage 1 restrictions or a complete watering ban. If you are preparing to xeriscape, verify if your specific HOA guidelines require an architectural review committee approval before removing sod.
The takeaway
Transitioning to drought-tolerant plants can significantly reduce household water consumption during state-wide scarcity. Homeowners should consult local municipal resources for the specific date when seasonal watering bans begin in their jurisdiction.
What happens next
Denver Water will enact a total lawn watering ban for 1.5 million customers beginning October 1, 2026. Residents in other regions, including Erie, are currently encouraged to disable their irrigation systems ahead of the autumn season.
Further reading
For tips on managing yard maintenance under new guidelines, visit Landscaping.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KUNC.
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