May 1st is traditionally looked at as the turning point for the warmer weather here in Colorado. This means homeowners, property managers, and landscapers will be looking to turn on their irrigation systems to water their plants. However, May 1st is also the official date when many communities like Denver, Aurora, Parker, and more begin to establish irrigation and watering rule courtesy of Denver Water. Xander Landscaping has years of experience installing irrigation systems and watering landscapes in Denver and is no stranger to the specific restrictions. Here is some information and helpful tips about maximizing your water usage outdoors and what is best for a healthy landscape.
Watering Rules From Denver Water
Denver Water has provided guidelines for homeowners and property managers to follow when taking care of their landscape watering needs. The following list is Denver Water’s Summer Watering Rules for water conservation:
- Water landscapes during cooler times of the day – no lawn watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Water no more than three days per week.,
- Do not allow water to pool in getters, streets, and alleys.
- Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt
- Repair sprinkler and irrigation systems that are leaking or faulty within 10 days
- Do not irrigate while it is raining or during high winds.
- Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve when washing your car.
How long should I water my lawn?
Every landscape is different when it comes to their watering and irrigation systems. Some older landscapes will have fixed spray heads or maybe manual sprinklers, while newer ones might have high-efficiency watering systems. Depending on the style of the watering system, the length, and duration of watering varies slightly.
Watering two days a week should be enough for most landscape needs during Summer, Denver Water also allows a third day of watering in the event of extreme heat or dryness.
*screenshot from Denver Water’s recommended Lawn Watering Times.
Newly installed Seed and Sod Watering Instructions
Denver Water customers with newly planted seeds or sod may water the new turf as necessary for up to 21 days. After 21 days, the seed or sod is subject to outdoor watering rules.
If you are requesting a watering exemption, the newly landscaped area should be 250 square feet or larger. It is wasteful to run an irrigation system on an area any smaller, and you can hand water areas that are less than 250 square feet. Keep in mind that you may see an increase in your water use upon watering for up to 21 days.
Xander Landscaping recommends that homeowners and property management companies submit a water exemption request during the construction of their landscape. Landscape clients are able to fill out the form and also contact Denver Water with general questions about this process.
With any landscaping design or development project, Xander Landscaping is more than happy to lend its experience and expertise to the greater Denver Metro area. Feel free to contact us for a hassle-free consultation or to get your questions answered.