WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM? Our water supply comes from a combination of surface water from the South Platte River and groundwater from three deep bedrock aquifers. Use of these two water sources is known as a conjunctive use system. Surface water is renewable while the deep groundwater is mainly non-renewable; therefore groundwater is used primarily as a back up water source to the surface water. We will always be able to meet indoor water demand with our groundwater resources. So even if we had severe drought, we are well prepared to keep water flowing to homes. Scan the QR code to learn more about water supply. centennialwater.org | info@centennialwater.org
Additional information about water supply information is available at centennialwater.org/water-supply.
WHAT IS MY WATER BUDGET? Every customer has a unique water budget, a method of computing your bi-monthly water bill based on indoor and outdoor use. Your water budget changes during the outdoor irrigation season, providing enough water for a healthy landscape but not so much that the resource is wasted. Your water budget gradually increases from early spring to mid-summer, and decreases at the end of summer into early fall.
What is my water budget? Indoor + Outdoor = Water Budget
12,000 gallons bi-monthly Number fluctuates: and may be adjusted begins in May, based on the number peaks in mid to late July, of people living in your home and ends in October
A road map of how much water you have available in a billing period to maintain healthy plant material
centennialwater.org centennialwater.org | info@centennialwater.org
Additional information about water supply information is available at centennialwater.org/water-budget.
DAILY WATER TIMES PER ZONE IN MINUTES 2X PER WEEK
centennialwater.org | info@centennialwater.org
LAWN CARE This is your lawn
This is your lawn during a drought This is your lawn with little to no water
centennialwater.org info@centennialwater.org
REBATE & INCENTIVE PROGRAMS Slow the Flow
The free Slow the Flow irrigation inspection includes a visit by a sprinkler pro to make sure you’re giving your landscape what it needs, but not more.
Garden In A Box
Purchase a low-water Garden In A Box from Resource Central. Garden In A Box is an easy, professionally designed, do-it-yourself garden kit. They are accompanied by a plant by number map that makes it easy to install in your landscape.
Rain Sensor
Rain sensors can be added to any irrigation system to interrupt the normal watering schedule when it rains. Customers may be eligible for a rebate of up to $25.
Turf Replacement
A rebate of $1 per square foot ($1,000 maximum) is available for the removal of any high-water-use plant material and replacement with Xeric or drought tolerant vegetation.
High-Efficiency Nozzle Retrofit
Replace less efficient, traditional fixed spray nozzles with more efficient rotary nozzles. A rebate of $2 per nozzle is available.
Scan the QR code to learn more about rebate and incentive programs. centennialwater.org info@centennialwater.org
Additional information about rebate and incentive programs is available at centennialwater. org/rebates.
DROUGHT & YOUR LAWN Frequently Asked Questions Will I be cited by HRCA for my brown lawn?
No, propert owners will not be cited for brown lawns by Highlands Ranch Community Improvement Services (Covenants) Department, but are still expected to maintain their lawns.
What does it mean to maintain my brown lawn? n A dormant
lawn is not a dead lawn. Homeowners are expected to water in accordance with the Centennial Water guidelines. n Weeds can still be pulled whether in rocked areas, the lawn or bedding. This includes properties with street borders. n What is a weed? A good rule of thumb to use: If you did not plant it, remove it. n Tree shoots can be removed or trimmed. n Dead bushes, trees or tree branches will need to be removed and/ or trimmed back. n Ground cover will need to be maintained. This can be rock, mulch or grass. A dormant lawn does not include areas of dirt.
Does HRCA allow Xeriscape front yards?
Yes, using drought tolerant plantings and other water conservation methods of landscaping is encouraged and the HRCA IS WAIVING ALL FEES for an approved Xeriscape plan.
Do I need to have my Xeriscape plan approved by the HRCA?
Yes, you need to submit your Xeriscape plan online using the Home Improvement Form available online at hrcaonilne.org.
Scan the QR code to learn more about drought from the HRCA. centennialwater.org info@centennialwater.org
Additional information is available at hrcaonline.org.
METRO DISTRICT FAST FACTS By the Numbers How is the Metro District conserving water during Stage 1? • Reducing overall irrigation water consumption by at least 20% • Decreasing the amount of water applied to park perimeters, aka “passive areas” • Raising mower height, reducing frequency of mowing and re-evaluating cultural practices • Lowering the amount of rain necessary to trigger an automated irrigation system shutdown — from 0.2 inches to 0.15 inches
440 combined acres irrigated in parks & parkways
26 parks in
our community
57 miles
(285 acres) of parkways along major roadways
5,000+ irrigation zones with tens of thousands of sprinkler heads
27
• Turning off all water play features and fountains • Turning off potable water source for Fly’n B and Johnny’s ponds
- inch annual water budget
Irrigation technicians on-call to respond to irrigation emergencies
highlandsranch.org | info@highlandsranch.org
Additional information is available at highlandsranch.org/resources/ water-conservation.
24/7
PARKWAY LANDSCAPE CONVERSION Goals and objectives: • Reduce overall water and maintenance needs by providing a more sustainable landscape and irrigation program.
Locations of conversion sites: 2020
• Maintain and enhance the existing aesthetics and experience of the streetscape.
ALTERNATIVE - University Blvd.
2022
NATIVE - Lucent Blvd. & C470
• Educate the community in the value of landscape conversions.
2020 2020
• Create a realistic phasing plan which prioritizes areas for conversion. Future plans: The program is moving forward and we intend to pursue strategic sites each year for conversion. Learn more on our website.
2022
NATIVE - AMC Slope
COBBLE - White Oak Lane ALTERNATIVE - Fairview Pkwy.
N
How does bluegrass compare? Bluegrass
27
inches of water annually
Times mowed per year
26
Alternative Grass
15
inches of water annually
Times mowed per year
2
Native Grass
10
highlandsranch.org | info@highlandsranch.org
Additional information is available at https://www.highlandsranch.org/newsevents/project-updates/parkwaylandscape-conversion-demonstration-sites.
inches of water annually
Times mowed per year
2