2026 Fall Drought Restriction and Winterization Info and FAQ

Denver Water has issued a notice regarding a lawn watering ban going into effect on October 1, 2026.  This is due to the warm and dry winter followed by a historically hot and dry spring and summer.

The limited information available at this time indicates hand-watering of trees, shrubs, gardens, perennials, as permissible.  It is not known at this time if permits will still be made for sod, overseeding, etc., or if there are other exclusions. 

Our clients we worked with to take part in the 2026 Denver Water Budget Program are still allowed to water past Oct 1, although it still counts toward the committed 80% budget for the year.

It is not known if water purveyors other than Denver Water will follow suit, which includes some Water Ketch clients to the south.  Distributors that serve the Denver Water area are for the most part required to honor the restrictions of Denver Water.

For Water Ketch and our winterization season, we anticipate most people will turn off their sprinklers by October 1.  Turning off sprinklers at the controller, backflow, or at the sprinkler shutoff will keep homeowners in compliance with the drought restriction, and systems can be winterized on a timely basis in October as in a more usual year.

Out of sight, out of mind.  When you turn off your sprinklers early, do not forget that the main supply line and equipment needs to be drained and cleared.  Just because the sprinklers are off, does not mean water is cleared from the system.  Do not forget to winterize!  You can make an appointment now for any available timeslot.

We will open the schedule for winterizations a week early, and appointments may be made from these early days into October as long as there is space in our schedule.  More timeslots later in October will be made available online by Oct 1, and there will be email reminders for those of our clients who are on our mailing list.  (Not on our mailing list but want to be?  Scroll to the bottom of this page and Sign Up for Updates.)

If you have specific questions not answered below, please call or text us at 303-660-8360.

Thank you for choosing Water Ketch Sprinkler for all of your sprinkler needs.

FAQ

Q: Can I make an appointment now to get my sprinkler system winterized, get a "blowout", and clear my equipment and lines?
A: Appointments can be made online.  We have limited availability for winterizations starting on or around September 25, 2026.  Beginning the week of October 5, 2026, we are fully available for winterizations, and they can be scheduled for your convenience for the date and time window you choose, from available date/times listed.  Make that appointment today, for any available date and time that works for you through October.

Q: I don't know how to turn off my sprinklers.  What do I do?
A: Great to get an early appointment, if you want your sprinklers off by October 1.  If you are unable to get an early appointment, many controllers can easily be turned to OFF, and they can wait like that until we arrive.  Other action that can be taken includes turning your sprinkler supply line off.  We understand this is not an option for some of our clients.  If your circumstances have you in need of service and our early appointments are sold out, order the first available appointment and call/text us to explain your situation.

Q: Do I reall have to stop watering on Sept 30?
A: We want to encourage everyone to comply with the water restrictions.

Q: Can I still set my sprinkler winterization for The end of October like I usually do?
A: Yes, Water Ketch will plan on running a regualr schedule through October like we do every year.  A main caveat is that a strong freeeze or storm near the end of October is a possiblity we accept every year.  Some years it can come earlier, some years later.

Q: What if it freezes early this year?
A: Starting in September, it is always worth paying mind to a freeze watch if forecast.  Simple steps, taken before the day or night of the freeze, can keep expensive equipment protected and safe from damage, or at least help mitigate the risk of freeze damage.  Take a look at our Resources page for a reminder.  It is up to a homeowner to do their best to make sure the sprinkler equipment is protected until our arrival for winterization.

Q: What if October is so warm that I want to water, come what may?
A: We will winterize you for the time you schedule.  Keep in mind we want to avoid rewinterization (expensive) and rescheduling (costly).  Please understand that rescheduling generally comes with a rescheduling fee, and according to our rescheduling policy, will incur a second full charge if reschedule request is within 48 hours of the original scheduled appointment.

Still have a question?  Call/Text 303-660-8360

Thank you for choosing Water Ketch Sprinkler.