Water schedules are in effect
May 1 - Sept. 30

Watering deeply and less frequently promotes root growth and creates a healthier, more drought-resistant plant. Water schedules also minimize demand on the system by staggering the days each neighborhood uses large amounts of water. With about half of all water we us in Castle Rock being poured onto our landscapes, Castle Rock Water is ensuring we are efficient, not wasteful, with this precious resource.

However, just because schedules are in effect, doesn't mean it is time to water. Did you know that the average last frost in Castle Rock is May 9? And we've gotten snow later than May 24 in the past! We've got a cool, moist spring so far and Mother Nature is currently taking care of our yards. Give yourself a couple more weeks before turning on that sprinkler system and planting outdoors.

How to set your controller

You aren’t the only one that is befuddled by this contraption. One way to outsmart your controller is to install a smart controller. (It is called that for a reason, and Castle Rock Water offers rebates for those.) Whether smart or traditional, we’ve got a couple tools to help you get ready for irrigation. They are all found on CRconserve.com.

Use the Run-Time Calculator to get a baseline for how long to water. This tool incorporates the plant type, sprinkler type, weather and sun exposure into the calculation.
Look to the Every Third Day video on how to program your traditional controller for an interval of every third day. It also shows you how to ensure your rain sensor is set up correctly so your system will turn off when it is raining.
Program Cycle and Soak into your controller for more efficient watering to get to those roots and create healthier plants.
Remember to only water before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m. on your scheduled day.

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. graph with temperature, humidity, wind and solar radiation

Why water before 8 a.m. or
after 8 p.m?

Watering when it is dark out, can reduce water wasted from evaporation by as much as 50 percent! Imaging pouring--and paying for--100 gallons of water on your lawn and half of it literally goes up in the air. Between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., there are lower temperatures, less solar radiation, less wind and more humidity, making it the most efficient time to irrigate. Because of Colorado's semi-arid environment, there generally aren't issues with mold or fungus when watering at night. This does mean, however, that you will have to take the time to periodically check your system during the day to ensure there aren't any broken or misaligned heads. As long as you are physically present during daytime maintenance, this won't be considered watering during the day.

COVID-19 Customer assistance programs available

As we begin to recover from the economic hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, Castle Rock Water has a residential and small business assistance programs to help with your water bill for qualifying customers. Funds are still available, but they are on a first come, first served basis. Visit CRWaterCares to find details and applications.

Water schedules are in effectMay 1 - Sept. 30

How to set your controller

Why water before 8 a.m. orafter 8 p.m?

COVID-19 Customer assistance programs available

Water schedules are in effect
May 1 - Sept. 30

Why water before 8 a.m. or
after 8 p.m?