I am no farmer, but live in Denver, and have overly successful hop harvests.
I don't water much at all except when they were in the first year, but it probably gets a little love from my sprinkler system (overspray). My spot is on my back fence, and I can harvest from both the yard and the alley side. I think for mine, the secret to the success is that they get full sun all day (morning on one side of fence, afternoon on other), but the root structure is in the shade most of the day, so it doesn't lose the moisture.
I like them growing, but I don't use enough of them (only two plants, cascade). Even using copious amounts in a fresh hop IPA and an APA....I still have pounds left.