via Boulder & Broomfield Counties
These eight water conservation tips can help you conserve water, especially during dry years. These best practices are supported by the cities within Boulder and Broomfield counties. Always check with your water supplier for any additional lawn watering rules or any drought-related restrictions.
Wait to Water
Don't turn on your sprinkler too early in the season. Leaving lawns dormant longer saves water. Hand-water trees as needed when dry conditions persist.
Water Twice a Week. Make Turf Drought-Tolerant
Water deeply twice each week, in the early morning hours, and supplement with rain to make grass roots grow deeper and go longer without water. For sprinkler systems, cycle run times to prevent run-off. Instead of setting a zone to run for fifteen minutes, change it to water for five minutes once an hour for three hours.
Don't Water Between 10 A.M. and 6 P.M.
When you water during the day, less water reaches your lawn. Water at night or in the early morning to prevent water loss caused by evaporation and wind.
If it Rains, Water Less
Watch
the weather and adjust watering days and times accordingly. If you have a control clock, use rain sensors to shut-off irrigation during rain events.
Watch for Irrigation Leaks
Watch for broken sprinkler heads or damaged irrigation lines that water waste. Repair leaks quickly.
Let Grass Grow Long Before Cutting
Raise your lawn mower blade and protect your lawn from heat by letting grass grow longer.
Water Plants and Trees, Not Sidewalks
Don’t spray down your driveway with water- use a broom. Broken sprinkler heads getting your sidewalk wet? Make sprinkler repairs and adjustments to keep water on your plants, turf and trees.
Install Low-Water Landscape and Irrigation
Avoid installing landscaping during the hottest months, especially in dry years. When appropriate, install drought-resistant turf, trees and xeric plants. Where possible, use low-water drip irrigation.