Denver Water wants to remind you to use only what you need. The utility's summer water use rules began May 1. This year, Denver Water has extended its watering rules until Oct. 1 to encourage efficient water use throughout the entire irrigation season.

The watering rules are:

· No lawn watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

· Do not water more than three days per week (there are no assigned days for watering).

· Do not waste water by allowing it to pool in gutters, streets and alleys.

· Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt.

· Repair leaking sprinkler systems within 10 days.

· Do not use spray irrigation while it is raining or during high winds.

The utility says most lawns don't need as much water as you might think. "Watering your lawn two days a week should be sufficient during May and into June," said Melissa Elliott, manager of conservation. "If needed, water a third day during extreme heat or dry periods. If your lawn looks healthy, try watering two minutes less per zone than you normally do. If your lawn is still doing well, try watering less. You can always water a little more if your lawn starts showing signs of stress."

Denver Water customers have been making good progress toward reaching the utility's goal to reduce overall water use to 22 percent below 2001 water use levels by the year 2016. Last year's savings was 18 percent. The utility's goal is to make these savings and changes in water use habits a permanent way of life. Even small changes add up. Denver Water calculated that if all its customers watered two minutes less per zone the savings would add up to nearly a billion gallons of water this year.

"We want customers to always use water efficiently," said Elliott. "They have been doing a great job of that, and we need to maintain and improve upon that track record. A small step like adjusting your watering times based on the weather is a great way to become more efficient."

Similar to last year, Denver Water will enforce its rules with roving water monitors. If you see water waste in one of Denver's parks, call 3-1-1. To report waste elsewhere, call Denver Water at 303-628-6343.

The utility's Web site (denverwater.org) has conservation tips, rebates, irrigation calculators and many more tools for saving water outdoors, including suggested watering times.

By using only the water they need, Denver Water customers can maximize supply during the hottest months of summer. A long-term commitment to efficient water use will also help postpone or avoid spending more money on other supply options and support the preservation of Colorado's natural environment.

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Denver Water proudly serves high-quality water and promotes its efficient use to 1.3 million people in the city of Denver and many surrounding suburbs. Established in 1918 as a nonpolitical municipal agency independent of City government, it is Colorado's oldest and largest water utility.