2015 Water Wise GuideRespecting Our Resources, One Drop at a Time

This is an example of a water wise landscape at Civic Green Park in Highlands Ranch.

In an effort to more efficiently use our resources, Highlands Ranch Metro District and Centennial Water offer e-Billing. To enroll:

1. Visit www.centennialwater.org and click the Online Bill Pay icon.

2. Enter your account number in the appropriate field and use your house number as your password.

3. Click on Billing Options in the left-hand menu.

4. Enter and confirm your email address.

5. Check the box by e-Bill. You may also check to receive other notifications like delinquencies and disconnects via email.

6. Click Save.

Paperless Billing

Water Efficiency Measures

OUTDOOR WATER USE

For water efficiency tips and information, sign up for Centennial Water’s free, quarterly

eNewsletter at www.centennialwater.org.

To report an incident of water waste, please call 303-791-0430.

To report an irrigation leak in parks or landscape along roads, please call 303-634-8042. If calling after hours, press option four.

Outdoor irrigation is not allowed from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. May 1 until Sept. 30. Hand watering trees and shrubs is allowed anytime if a hose is held and equipped with a shut off device.

Washing cars is allowed any time. However, when washing cars, a hose end shut off device must be used.

Wasteful water practices are prohibited. This includes allowing excess water to flow into gutters or neglecting to repair leaks.

Rain sensors are required on all non-residential irrigation systems.

Water Efficient Irrigation TipsWater in the late evening to early morning hours. The most efficient time to water is between midnight and 6 a.m.

Don’t set it and forget it. Adjust irrigation controllers weekly throughout the season and as the weather changes. Perform regular inspections of your sprinkler system checking for leaks, broken heads and efficient coverage.

Check the soil moisture before you water. Water only when your grass shows signs of needing water such as when footprints remain after 30 minutes. Continually wet soils are deprived of oxygen, which is needed for proper root growth.

Use the cycle and soak method to reduce runoff. When needed, apply water using multiple short cycles to avoid water running across sidewalks and into the gutter.

WATER EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS

Water Efficiency ProgramsCentennial Water & Sanitation District continues to offer Highlands Ranch residents a number of cost-effective water conservation programs that are proven to save water. Below is a description of some of the programs.

Slow the Flow - Free Irrigation InspectionsA limited number of free irrigation inspections are available to residential customers, on a first-come, first-served basis. The inspection will reveal the efficiency of your irrigation system and provide suggestions to improve it.

The Slow the Flow program is funded by Centennial Water through the Center for ReSource Conservation. Call the Center for ReSource Conservation at 303-999-3820, ext. 217, or visit www.conservationcenter.org to schedule an appointment.

Visit www.centennialwater.org or click on the QR code on the right for rebate applications or more details about Centennial’s water efficiency programs.

Garden In A BoxGarden In A Box offers a simple approach to learn about and plant a water-wise garden. Regardless of expertise, you can save water and beautify your landscape by purchasing a professionally designed, perennial garden that uses Xeric (low water) plants and includes a comprehensive plant and care guide. When Xeric gardens replace existing turf, the water savings are significant.

For more information, or to order a Garden In A Box, visit www.ConservationCenter.org/Gardens. A limited number of $25 rebates are available for Centennial Water customers.

OUTDOOR WATER USE

Sprinkler Run Time GuidelinesAdjust irrigation run times throughout the season as the weather changes to help you stay within your water budget. Please reference the instructions for the sprinkler controller to help program the controller correctly. The table to the right shows approximate weekly run times for different types of sprinkler heads. Divide weekly minutes by the number of watering days per week to determine how long to run water. For best results, water no more than three times per week.

Run times assume an application rate of 1 1/2 inches per hour for spray heads and 1/2 inch per hour for rotor heads. Actual sprinkler run times may vary based on actual application rates.

Weekly Water Times

MonthFixed Sprays

(minutes)Rotors

(minutes)May 30 90

June 45 135

July 60 180

August 55 165

September 35 105

Water Budget Water budgets provide ample water for indoor use and for keeping landscapes healthy during spring, summer and fall. Water budgets are adjusted for outdoor irrigation beginning the third week of April through the second week of October, and are based on historical data for plant water requirements throughout the growing season.

Water budgets are tied to an increasing tiered rate structure. When water use is greater than the budgeted

amount, customers will pay more for water. To view the water rates visit,

www.centennialwater.org/account-information/rates.

Indoor Budget Outdoor Budget

Typical Single Family Water Budget

Gallo

ns of

Water

Sample Run Times for MayCalculation is based on weekly water times found in the chart above.30 minutes fixed spray ÷ 3 days a week = 10 minutes each watering day per zone90 minutes rotor spray ÷ 3 days a week = 30 minutes each watering day per zone

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

Jan.-Feb. March-April May-June July-Aug. Sept.-Oct. Nov.-Dec.