Landscape Irrigation

It's as easy as mow, water, weed, repeat, right? Taking a couple extra steps, checking for leaks and having the right equipment will actually cut your maintenance time and provide a healthier and more vibrant landscape. Attending a Water Wiser workshop to learn these tips is a great start.

Maintenance

Check for leaks often

Periodically, check for leaks in your irrigation system. Look for wet spots, small holes or depressions in the ground - this may indicate an underground
irrigation leak.

Repair often

Check your sprinkler system frequently (at least monthly during irrigation season) for broken or misaligned equipment to ensure you are watering your lawn and not the house, sidewalk or street.

Get smart

Install a smart controller or rain sensor that automatically adjusts the sprinkler system run time and / or schedule to react to changing weather conditions. Castle Rock Water offers rebates for smart controllers and rain sensors. Learn more about our rebate program.

Conduct an irrigation audit

Irrigation system efficiency should be better than 75 percent. However, most systems run at 55 percent. Run off, improperly adjusted spray heads and leaks account for most inefficiencies. An irrigation audit will help make sure a system is running as efficiently as possible.

Watering / Irrigating

Water when it's cool and calm

Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler and the wind is calmer. During irrigation season (June-August), the Town has watering restrictions between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Watering when it is cool and calm, reduces evaporation, potentially saving 25 gallons, or 20 percent, each time you water.

Don’t over-water

Only water your lawn once every three days or less. Learn more about evapotranspiration (ET) to understand how much water your landscape really needs. Keep in mind, the number one reason for poor plant health is over-watering. To test if your plants need water, use a long screwdriver as a soil probe to test soil moisture. If you can push it easily onto your lawn for several inches, do not water.

Install a rain sensor

These sensors adjust your sprinkler to automatically delay irrigation until water is needed. Castle Rock Water offers rebates for smart controllers and rain sensors. Learn more about our rebate program.

Cycle and soak

Water deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger landscapes. Learn how to Cycle and Soak.

Install the proper irrigation system

Drip irrigation tends to lose less to evaporation and drainage by placing water directly and slowly at the base of your trees, shrubs and flowers. Modify sprinkler heads for the right space. All sprinkler heads are not created equal. Replace spray heads with low pressure rotary heads, where appropriate.