Denver Water staff propose 15 seasonal workers for 2027 watering enforcement
The $645,955 proposal would expand field patrols during the irrigation season, with staff projecting more than 15,000 stops.
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Denver Water staff recommend hiring 15 temporary workers to enforce watering rules during the 2027 irrigation season, at a proposed cost of $645,955, according to a briefing to the Board of Water Commissioners. The seasonal “Water Savers” would expand field patrols. The agency expects drought restrictions to continue into next summer.
By the end of September 2026, Denver Water had received more than 8,000 reports of watering violations, issued 2,000 warnings and filed more than 100 charges, the briefing says. Staff said residents continued to view enforcement as limited because patrols were not very visible and customers could not see what happened after they reported a violation.
The proposed April-to-October staffing plan would use rotating shifts to cover early mornings, evenings and weekends. Staff recommend issuing formal warnings from the start of the season while aiming for educational, supportive interactions with customers. The plan would also continue online public reporting.
Staff project the Water Savers would make more than 15,000 stops and directly save about 2,000 acre-feet of water. The briefing estimates total savings of 5,000 to 10,000 acre-feet when enforcement is combined with communications, outreach, education and efficiency programs.
The board is scheduled to consider the briefing Oct. 28. As of Oct. 24, the meeting had not taken place, so the proposal had not yet been approved.