South Suburban Stage 1 Drought Response
Apr
13
2026
Historically low snowpack has led Denver Water and others to declare a Stage 1 drought or impose restrictions on their customers. In response, South Suburban is working closely with Denver Water and other water purveyors to cut water usage by 20% across the District this summer. Reduction of water usage aligns with South Suburban’s guiding principle of being stewards of nature and sustainability.
As a special district, residents may notice a difference in South Suburban watering practices that are not in accordance with residential restrictions.
South Suburban’s Plan
South Suburban is taking steps to reduce water use and lead by example, including:
Parks and public spaces: Player safety and field recovery are prioritized for water use. Watering in non-athletic areas will be significantly reduced and patrons may recognize these changes throughout the summer.
Golf courses: Littleton, Lone Tree, and South Suburban golf courses are targeting irrigation with well water, while Family Sports uses reclaimed water from Arapahoe County. Additional investments in wetting agents and moisture meters help soil moisture last longer and lead to informed decisions about watering.
Irrigation technology: South Suburban continues to invest in computerized irrigation systems, weather stations, and water-efficient technology across all parks and public facilities to apply the right amount of water at the right time.
Alternative water sources: Hudson Gardens maximizes the use of non-potable water sources, including ditch water, to reduce pressure on potable water sources.