Understanding Water Restrictions in Eagle County
Why Restrictions Matter
In the Eagle Valley, water availability shifts year to year based on snowpack, runoff, and demand. During dry seasons, local water providers implement staged restrictions to reduce outdoor water use — the largest discretionary use in our region.
These restrictions are not arbitrary — they are designed to:
- Protect river flows and aquatic ecosystems
- Maintain reliable drinking water supply
- Reduce strain on infrastructure during peak demand
- Support long-term community resilience in a drought-prone landscape
Because water is managed locally, restrictions vary by municipality and water district — meaning your property’s rules depend on where you are located.
What Restriction Levels Mean for Your Landscape
While specifics vary slightly by provider, most follow a similar tiered structure:
Stage 0–1: Awareness + Efficiency
- Normal irrigation allowed, with encouragement toward water-wise practices
- Focus on: Early morning watering
- Reducing overspray and runoff
- Fixing leaks and inefficiencies
Stage 2: Moderate Restrictions
- Limits on days and/or times of irrigation
- Reduced watering windows (often 2–3 days/week)
- Increased emphasis on: Deep, infrequent watering
- Eliminating irrigation in low-value turf areas
Stage 3: Severe Restrictions
- Significant limits on outdoor watering
- Turf often cannot be maintained at “green” levels
- Priorities shift to: Plant survival over aesthetics
- Hand-watering trees and key plantings
- Letting turf go dormant
Stage 4: Critical Restrictions
- Outdoor irrigation largely prohibited
- Watering allowed only for: Tree survival
- Newly installed landscapes (with permits)
What this means for Ceres clients:
We adjust maintenance strategies, irrigation scheduling, and planting recommendations in response to current restriction levels—always prioritizing plant health, water efficiency, and compliance. If you are an active Ceres Landcare maintenance client, your Account Manager will stay in close communication, guiding you through how your landscape will be cared for as conditions change.
Check Your Local Restrictions
Most local water management groups are implementing watering restrictions because of our current severe drought and historically low snow-water equivalent this season. Because restrictions vary across Eagle County, use the links below to confirm current stage and rules for your property.
Eagle River Water & Sanitation District (ERWSD)
Typical Guidelines
- Stage-based watering schedules (days/times)
- Restrictions on daytime irrigation
- Increasing limits as drought conditions intensify
Best for: Most Ceres clients in mid-valley service areas including Vail, Eagle-Vail, Avon, Edwards, Red Sky Ranch
Town of Eagle
Typical Guidelines
- Odd/even or assigned watering days
- Limits on irrigation frequency during restrictions
- Strong emphasis on water conservation and xeric transitions
Town of Gypsum
Typical Guidelines
- Watering schedules tied to conservation stages
- Encouragement of efficient irrigation and reduced turf areas
- Note: some communities within Gypsum have separately managed water supplies for irrigation such as Buckhorn Valley. They are subject to specific restrictions approved by their governing boards.
Fire Restrictions & What They Mean for Landscaping
Fire restrictions in Eagle County are county-wide and are implemented based on fuel moisture, weather patterns, and wildfire risk.
Restriction Levels
Landscape Implications
Fire restrictions — and the broader wildfire reality — directly influence how you live within your landscape and how we design and maintain your outdoor spaces:
Defensible Space Matters
We prioritize plant spacing, removal of ladder fuels, and ignition-resistant zones near structures.
Plant Selection is Critical
Water-wise landscapes are often more fire-resilient when designed with appropriate species and spacing.
Maintenance is Ongoing Protection
Dead material removal, pruning, and irrigation management reduce fire risk significantly.
Water + Fire Are Connected
Reduced water availability increases plant stress — which can elevate fire vulnerability.
Ceres Approach:
We integrate fire mitigation + water conservation into every landscape strategy — balancing beauty, ecology, and safety in a high-risk environment.
A Shared Responsibility
Water and fire stewardship are not separate challenges — they are deeply connected realities of living in the mountain West. By understanding restriction levels and adapting how landscapes are designed, irrigated, and maintained, we contribute to a more resilient, responsible, and enduring community.
Need Help Navigating Restrictions?
We’re here to help interpret current restrictions, adjust your landscape care plan, and guide water-wise transitions.
Reach out to your Account Manager or Design Team anytime.