Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to rethink how we use water in our landscapes. With increases to our rates this year, many homeowners will feel more impact as irrigation season begins. With water rates increasing, how our ratepayers design their yards can significantly affect their water bills. We want to share about how what our customers are experiencing fits into the broader spectrum for all Coloradoans. Lastly, we also want to be sure to leave you with plenty of actionable resources and tips so if you decide, you can begin taking steps toward a more water-wise landscape.
TLDR Summary
- With rising water costs due to water scarcity, it won’t remain an option for much longer to maintain the status quo. Customers will need to make gradual changes to their landscaping to prevent high water bills.
- These changes are not just in our District. Statewide legislation is limiting the use of non-functional grass in commercial and new-build properties to prepare for future water scarcity.
- There are many tips customers can put into action this spring, including taking advantage of FCLWD-endorsed programs and discounts, free and low-cost education, tackling water-wise yard projects in manageable chunks and collaborating with your HOA.
Why the Status Quo No Longer Works
While the upfront cost of removing turf and replacing high-water plants may seem daunting, the long-term savings on water bills can make it worthwhile. Even small changes can help mitigate rising costs if a complete overhaul isn’t feasible. The reality is that water rates will continue to rise. This isn’t just because of our needs within FCLWD, like operations costs and capital improvement projects. Water scarcity will continue to impact rates, which you can read more about in our February blog. If you can invest in water-wise landscaping now, that can help you avoid steeper costs later.
At FCLWD, we don’t typically cut off water use unless it’s extremely excessive. Instead, we manage water consumption through rates. If you choose to use large amounts of water, your bill will reflect that. Making changes to your landscaping is one of the best ways to ensure your bill stays manageable as the price of water continues to rise.
The Bigger Picture: A Statewide Issue
This issue extends beyond our local community. In 2023, the State of Colorado passed legislation requiring changes to landscaping codes for new developments, which is being enforced at a municipal level. The City of Fort Collins updated its land use code to no longer allow non-functional turf at commercial properties and new residential developments. While the City was also motivated to update the code, the push for more sustainable landscaping practices is state-mandated. Water is a finite resource, and as demand increases, so do costs. Changes must be made at both the local and state levels to ensure a reliable water supply for the future.
For decades, many Colorado communities have attempted to maintain lush, green lawns in a historically high desert environment. But as costs rise, the climate gets warmer and water becomes scarcer, this approach becomes less practical. The Colorado Water Plan acknowledges this challenge, reinforcing the need for smarter water use and sustainable landscaping practices.
Practical Steps for Homeowners
So, how can you transition to a more water-wise landscape without sacrificing beauty and spending an arm and a leg? Here are some resources FCLWD offers:
- Slow the Flow Sprinkler Evaluation – This free service helps homeowners optimize their irrigation systems to prevent waste and improve efficiency. A sprinkler evaluation is the perfect place to begin because it has no cost to our customers and may yield lots of opportunities. The assessment ensures you have the proper watering schedule, identifies leaks and suggests possible upgrades that can be pursued with less effort and less cost.
- Garden in a Box Bill Credit – This program by Resource Central creates beautiful kits of water-wise perennials at an affordable price point. When you send your Garden In A Box receipt to FCLWD, we’ll give you a $25 bill credit.
- COMING SOON! Rebates for WaterSense-Approved Smart Sprinkler Controllers – Smart sprinkler technology helps customers save water by changing water schedules depending on the weather. They also determine how much to water and when. There are several great brands on the market, and soon, FCLWD will be offering a rebate on approved smart sprinkler controllers. We’ll share details as soon as they are finalized. We also offer a discount on Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controllers when you purchase through our website.
We also took the opportunity to tap into the expertise of Mariel Miller, the City of Fort Collins Utilities’ water conservation manager. As an expert in water conservation, she shared several great tips and actionable steps with our customers.
- Reduce Turf Grass – Consider replacing high-water turf with drought-resistant ground covers, native plants or hardscaping features like mulch or gravel pathways. Reducing your turf doesn’t have to be as daunting or expensive as it sounds. Several cost-effective tips for reducing turf are:
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- Rent a sod cutter and do the work yourself if you’re able.
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- Start with one zone at a time. If you have a large yard, tackling projects by sprinkler zones can make the project more manageable and affordable.
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- Eliminate turf in areas that don’t serve much purpose. Consider areas that are awkwardly shaped or hard to water, such as side yards, the grass between your driveway and your neighbor’s property or the area between the sidewalk and the street.
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- Try the lasagna method. This method of layering cardboard and mulch several times kills the grass in that area and creates a rich soil base for whatever comes next.
- Tap into Free & Low-Cost Education on Water-Wise Landscaping – At FCLWD, we often promote Resource Central’s free water-wise landscaping seminars, but Mariel shared several other great local resources for free or low-cost education on transforming your landscaping. These courses are designed for the average homeowner and are a helpful resource before making any significant changes.
- Incorporate Efficient Irrigation Systems – Drip irrigation and smart controllers can significantly cut down on unnecessary watering. Whether you’re using a traditional sprinkler system or a smart sprinkler controller, it’s important to remember that it’s not a “set it and forget it” appliance.
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- Watch YouTube videos on how to best use your sprinkler controller to ensure you’re watering efficiently and not more than you need. A Slow the Flow sprinkler evaluation is also a great way to learn more about your controller.
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- Watering less doesn’t necessarily mean your lawn will suffer. Mariel suggested watering three times weekly when the temperature is in the 90s and once or twice weekly if it is in the 70s or 80s.
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- IMPORTANT: If you remove turf and the associated sprinklers, install a new drip line to water trees. Trees that previously thrived with grass irrigation must continue to be watered regularly to stay healthy. Trees provide aesthetic and ecological benefits; our community values them, so don’t neglect them!
- Collaborate with Your HOA – Colorado law states that HOAs are not allowed to prohibit xeriscaped yards and are even mandated to provide approved xeric landscape designs. If you live in an HOA, inform them of landscape changes you plan to make or ask if they have approved plans. While HOAs still have time to comply with providing approved plans, your HOA may be one that already has them. It never hurts to ask!
When we asked Mariel how she would prioritize conservation projects, she explained,
“Conservation is very property specific, so there isn’t a definitive, ordered list. However, for someone who doesn’t have a large yard, making changes in the home, like more efficient toilets, showers and faucets, can provide the biggest bang for your buck. If those are all high efficiency, getting a free sprinkler assessment is a great place to start because there are often simple changes that someone can make that can have a big impact.”
A More Sustainable Future
The bottom line is that the status quo in Colorado landscaping needs to change. Maintaining expansive, water-intensive lawns is becoming increasingly expensive and unsustainable. Whether you take small steps or make significant changes, transitioning to a water-wise landscape is an investment in both your financial future and the long-term sustainability of our community’s water supply.
By starting now, you’ll be ahead of the curve—saving money, conserving water and ensuring that your landscape thrives in Colorado’s climate for years to come. Let’s make this spring the season for smarter, more resilient landscaping choices.
