Post Date:07/08/2024 12:00 PM

By Quinn Voeglie and Lauren Stigers

Quinn and Lauren are water conservation interns with Highlands Ranch. Quinn is a graduate student at the University of Denver, pursuing a degree in environmental management and policy with a focus in energy and sustainability. Lauren is a senior, environmental engineering major attending Metropolitan State University.

Highlands Ranch Water and Sanitation District is excited to celebrate Smart Irrigation Month and we want you to join us. After high precipitation levels in both winter and spring, our reservoirs remain full. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality water to our customers in the most efficient way possible, and despite having full reservoirs, water conservation will always be a top priority to ensure our long-term sustainability.

Colorado is a semi-arid desert with a changing climate and water is, of course, an essential resource. Half of the water supply for Highlands Ranch and Solstice is used for outdoor irrigation, which is why smart irrigation is an important component of water conservation. By reducing outdoor water use and efficiency, we can ensure the long-term availability and sustainability of our water supply. There are many ways to make an easy daily impact on water sustainability.

• Inspect your irrigation system
  • Check your system for leaks, uneven pressure, and overspray. Free irrigation audits are available from our partners at Resource Central. Schedule an appointment online today.
• ColoradoScape your yard
  • Convert your yard into a stunning natural low-water landscape.
• Mow efficiently
  • Mow when your grass is dry and at a taller height. Taller grass retains moisture better and promotes deeper root systems which helps boost drought resistance.
• Upgrade your irrigation to a smart controller
  • Smart controllers adjust irrigation schedules based on temperature, precipitation, and weather factors. Smart controllers reduce water use and save you money.
• Cycle and soak
  • Water your lawn in multiple, short cycles. This efficient watering strategy maximizes the amount of water that soaks into the soil. This limits water running off your lawn onto the sidewalk and street, saving you money.
• Don’t set it and forget it
  • The water needs of your lawn change with the weather. Adjusting your watering run-times weekly will save water, money, and keep your lawn happy.

Another component that contributes to water conservation and aids in smart irrigation is the quality of your soil, which is essential for a robust and sustainable lawn. The key to any plant’s drought tolerance is a strong root system, which requires healthy soil. Poor soil compaction, nutritional levels, and pH levels can prevent a healthy lawn, no matter how much you water or fertilize.

When soil is too compact, water will not absorb into the ground and will run off your lawn. Your lawn cannot get the water it needs even when overwatered. Soil can only hold so many nutrients and when overfertilized, unnecessary nutrients, will wash off your lawn and into the water system. This fertilizer is wasted, and nutrients contained in the fertilizer, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can be harmful to our water supply. They may increase the risk of algae blooms and reduce the water quality in our reservoirs and urban waterways.

Highlands Ranch Water offers customers a soil test rebate of up to $25. A soil test can reveal available nutrients, pH levels, and the soil compaction of your landscape providing you guidance for proper fertilizer and soil amendments. Soil tests optimize lawn treatments and save you unnecessary expenses and help keep harmful nutrients out of our water supply.

The next piece of the puzzle that aids in smart irrigation is an efficient irrigation system. A little-known fact is overhead sprinkler systems, commonly used to water lawns, are typically only 50%-70% efficient. Efficiency decreases significantly when your sprinklers aren’t adjusted properly. Make sure your sprinkler heads are adjusted and covering your lawn to save water and ensure your money isn’t being spent watering the sidewalk and streets. You can upgrade your system to be more efficient with a smart controller or high-efficiency nozzles. There is no better time than smart irrigation month to upgrade your sprinkler system, increase your water savings, and take advantage of our rebate programs. Details can be found on our website under our rebates and incentives page at centennialwater.org/rebates.

We need everyone throughout our community to work together to make an impact conserving water. We know Highlands Ranch is a community that gets things done. Educate yourself and look out for your friends and your neighbors. If each of us makes that little effort to conserve water, we can ensure everyone’s short-term needs are met without compromising long-term water availability for future generations. As Coloradans, we are proud to call this beautiful state our home. The simple act of watering your lawn responsibly, inspecting your irrigation system, and applying for one of our incentive programs or rebates helps to keep our home a colorful Colorado for years to come.