Watering limits coming for utilities customers

DENVER -- Colorado's largest water utility is poised to declare a Stage 2 drought, meaning mandatory watering restrictions would kick in Monday.

Denver Water's board intends to make the declaration Wednesday. That would mean that starting next week, customers will be assigned two days per week for lawn watering. Other restrictions also would take effect, including no lawn watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows all of Colorado is experiencing some level of drought. The statewide snowpack was 79 percent of average as of Tuesday, and reservoir levels around the state are low.

Colorado Springs Utilities also is limiting outdoor watering starting Monday, and it's charging higher rates to residential customers with high monthly water usage.