DENVER -- If you're part of 1.2 million customers who get their your water from Denver Water, there's good news. The Denver Water Board Wednesday lifted mandatory watering restrictions.

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On Oct. 1, residents can water as often as they like, whatever days they want and however long they want. However, water waste -- such as allowing sprinklers to leak onto sidewalks or streets -- is still prohibited.

The board also agreed that as of Sept. 4, residents can reseed and water their lawns for 21 consecutive days to allow the seed to grow.

Removing restrictions may be a surprising move to some people because current water levels are dropping, 7NEWS reported. Denver's 10 reservoirs are at 82 percent capacity and Chatfield Reservoir has dropped to just 61 percent of its capacity. In June, it was virtually full.

Although most of the drought restrictions have been lifted, officials still voiced some reservations.

"With this action, if the board approves it, I don't think we're declaring that the drought is over," said Chips Barry, with the Denver Water Board.

The board is also considering a 5 percent rate hike, an increase that could mean about $1 more per month for most customers. The board will vote on the hike in the beginning of October, after there has been public input.

If passed, the rate hike would take effect in January. Other Front Range utilities have adopted or are considering 15 percent increases.

Denver water officials said people tend to use less water following a drought, so the rate increase will allow the board to bring in the same revenue as before although water use has decreased.

Because of the recent rain and water conservation by residents, Fort Collins may also end mandatory watering restrictions. The city water board is recommending that Fort Collins return to voluntary watering reductions. There is no word yet when the city council will discuss the issue.

In Aurora, the wet weather means that the ban on new lawns has been lifted and that's good news for sod farmers. Aurora is the latest city to lift new sod restrictions and that has growers like Green Valley Turf very busy. The turf farm is sending out several truckloads of sod a day trying to keep up with the demand. The deliveries are making homeowners in Aurora very happy.

Some families who moved into new homes and have gone at least two years with just dirt for a backyard will now get to see a green lawn.