Durango Begins Water Restrictions

Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.

From the City of Durango, CO

Friday, April 10, 2026

The City of Durango has enacted Stage 1 mandatory water restrictions, effective April 10, following the city manager’s declaration of a Stage 1 Water Shortage/Drought.

This action is driven by a record‑low snowpack, historically low snow-water-equivalent levels, early runoff, unseasonably warm temperatures, and minimal precipitation. These factors have resulted in a critical water supply shortage as defined in the city’s 2020 Municipal Drought Management Plan.

At the April 7 council meeting, city staff presented updated environmental and water‑supply data, including regional reservoir conditions and statewide drought indicators. Based on this analysis, staff determined that the existing measures would not achieve the required level of water savings. The city is implementing revised mandatory restrictions under Stage 1 to reduce daily water demand by 20%.

Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.

As one of the largest consumers of treated water, the city will lead by example by reducing irrigation on city properties by an additional 10 %, along with other operational conservation measures at city facilities. Washing of City fleet vehicles will be limited to once per month, and the city will suspend its fire hydrant flushing program.

These restrictions are enforceable under the City Code, and violations are subject to fines. The Durango City Council will review and discuss the city manager’s declaration at its April 21 meeting.

For more information and a full list of restrictions, visit the city’s Water Conservation and Drought Webpage.