Denver Parks & Recreation Reducing Water Use by 20% During Stage 1 Drought
DENVER, CO – Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) is implementing a systemwide water reduction strategy following Denver Water's 2026 Stage 1 drought declaration, with plans to reduce irrigation water use by 20% across its parks, golf courses, and public spaces.
Rendering of Rowan | Courtesy of Formativ
As Denver Water's largest single customer, DPR says the strategy is designed to balance water conservation efforts while maintaining public health, recreation opportunities, and the long-term sustainability of the city's landscapes.
According to the department, years of investment in smart irrigation systems and water-efficient landscape practices have helped prepare the park system for drought conditions. Because Denver's park network spans thousands of acres, DPR properties operate under Denver Water's Water Budget Program, which manages sites through a systemwide water allotment rather than the watering schedules applied to residential properties.
Under the plan, irrigation will continue to be prioritized for trees and high-value landscapes while watering will be reduced in passive turf areas and medians. Decorative fountains throughout the park system will remain turned off during the 2026 season, while smart irrigation technology will be used to improve efficiency and reduce water waste.
Despite the reductions, DPR says pools, splash pads, athletic fields, and other recreation amenities will continue operating throughout the summer.
Approximately 30% of Denver Parks & Recreation properties are irrigated using recycled water, including City Park Golf Course. Those properties are not subject to Stage 1 drought restrictions because the recycled water system has greater water availability during drought conditions.
DPR officials also noted that some grass areas may appear brown or dry during the summer months, particularly in low-use areas, as part of the department's conservation efforts. However, staff will continue monitoring landscapes throughout the season to protect long-term plant health and support recovery when conditions improve.
The department is also encouraging residents to help protect Denver's urban tree canopy by continuing to water trees on private property and within the public right-of-way. Trees remain a priority because of the shade, cooling, and environmental benefits they provide across the city.
Residents who observe broken sprinkler heads or irrigation leaks in Denver parks are encouraged to report them through the city's reporting system. The water reduction strategy will remain in place throughout the 2026 irrigation season as Denver responds to ongoing drought conditions and works to conserve available water supplies.
All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
3 minute read • Denver Parks & Recreation will reduce irrigation water use by 20% during the 2026 irrigation season following Denver Water's Stage 1 drought declaration. Pools, splash pads, athletic fields, and trees will remain priorities.