Colorado is in the midst of a historic drought, and water providers across the Denver metro area have already enacted formal drought response plans, including mandatory outdoor watering restrictions. While The Village has not reached the point mandatory restrictions, water conservation remains important.

Our water supply comes entirely from non-renewable groundwater in the Denver Basin aquifers beneath our community. Because we rely on a finite underground source rather than a river or reservoir, using water efficiently is always the right approach.

That’s why every drop counts.

We encourage every household in The Village to be mindful of how much water they use, especially during irrigation season, when outdoor watering can significantly increase demand.

Tips to Reduce Your Water Use

The tips below can help you reduce your water use and keep your bill in check:

1.  Wait to start your irrigation system. Colorado's Front Range typically receives meaningful spring precipitation in April and May, so let nature do some watering for you. Every gallon of rain that falls is a gallon we don't need to pump from our groundwater supply. Additionally, the District's rollover policy allows you to carry over your unused water budget from month to month during Peak Season (April through October). If you hold off on activating your system, those early-season gallons roll forward and give you more flexibility later in the summer when conditions are drier.
2. Install an EPA WaterSense smart irrigation controller. WaterSense-labeled controllers automatically adjust watering schedules based on local weather conditions, soil type, and plant needs. They skip or reduce watering when rain is forecast or when temperatures are cooler. Studies show these controllers can cut outdoor water use by 15% or more compared to traditional timer-based systems. Over 60% of Village residents have already made the switch. If you haven't yet, now is a good time. Look for the WaterSense label when purchasing.
3. Sign up for WaterSmart. WaterSmart is a free online tool available to all District customers. It allows you to monitor your daily water usage, receive alerts for potential leaks, and compare your use against your budget in real time. Catching a leak or a runaway irrigation zone early can save thousands of gallons. Sign up or learn more on our WaterSmart page.
4. Reduce the amount of turf on your property. Turf grass requires more water than any other landscape type. The District allocates outdoor water budgets based on the square footage of turf, bedding, and native grass on each property. Turf is budgeted at 18 gallons per square foot per season. Bedding areas are allocated 6 gallons per square foot. Native grass areas receive no allocation because they are designed to survive on natural precipitation. Replacing turf with native plants, mulched beds, or drought-tolerant groundcover directly reduces your irrigation demand and your water budget exposure.

Water Rates and Higher Usage Tiers

Beginning January 1, 2026, the District increased usage rates for Tier 3 and Tier 4. These tiers apply to customers who significantly exceed their monthly budget and represent the highest levels of water consumption in The Village.

About 85% of District customers stay within Tier 1 or Tier 2 and will not be affected by these increases. The tips above are the most effective ways to stay within your budget and avoid higher tier charges. For a full breakdown of current rates, visit our Water Rates page.

Questions?

Visit our FAQ page for more information about how water budgets, tiers, and rollover work. You can also send us a note through our Contact Us page.