Meadows >>
65°
Wind: W/SW 12mph
ET : 0.21 ?
What is ET?
Temperature + Wind + Humidity + Solar Radiation = ET
Learn how to use ET to conserve >

details >
NOTICE: Watering restrictions are in effect Jun. 1 through Sept. 30.
JUNE 2013
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Watering Schedule >

How Much Do We Use?

Colorado’s climate is considered semi-arid and high desert. What does that mean? In Castle Rock we average about 13 inches of precipitation during the irrigation season of April through October.

How does Castle Rock compare to other parts of the country? Less than a day’s drive east, in Omaha, Nebraska -  they average almost 24 inches annually and less than a day's drive the other direction, to Provo, Utah, they average slightly more than 10 inches.

In addition to receiving a relatively small amount of rain, it’s also important to keep in mind that not all of the rain we receive is usable. Because the majority of our soil is heavy clay, much of the precipitation that falls simply runs off and is not absorbed into the ground for beneficial use. 

How much water do we use?

Castle Rock’s consumption varies greatly depending on the time of year. Average winter production, simply to meet indoor demand, is three to four million gallons per day. Once the outdoor lawn and landscape demand is added, average summer production increases to 10 to 12 million gallons per day.

Currently, the Town is dependent on nonrenewable groundwater.  Castle Rock is positioned over the Denver Basin Aquifer System.  Water is drawn from 52 wells throughout Castle Rock - eight of these wells are in the Dawson Aquifer (500 - 600 feet deep), 22 wells are in the Denver Aquifer (1,200 - 1,300 feet deep), and 22 are in the Arapahoe Aquifer (1,800 - 1,900 feet deep). In some parts of Town, like Founders Village or Castle Oaks, some wells are an additional 400 feet deep.

Since the Town has a lot of elevation change within its 33 square miles, we have to pump water around the distribution systems, which requires additional electricity. This raw groundwater is filtered and disinfected to ensure it is safe for drinking. The Town has four groundwater treatment plants with a combined treatment capacity of 20 million gallons per day. Once pumped from the ground and treated, the Town has the ability to store approximately 37 million gallons, in 16 tanks.

Simple steps matter to water conservation. So next time you turn on the faucet, take a shower, or water your lawn, remember -- every drop counts. Learn to be water wiser and make a difference in your community.