We believe that when irrigation technology is better understood by our customers and regional landscape contractors, it encourages adoption of more efficient systems and/or replacement of high-water-use turf with water-wise alternatives. Offering generous rebates is also a key component.
In 2022, we began implementing programs designed to support higher water savings through education. These collaborative programs focus on education around smart irrigation equipment and management to maximize water efficiency.
Fast forward to last week when we were recognized by the Irrigation Association as the Smart Water Application Technologies (SWAT) Outstanding Industry Partnership Award recipient. This award recognizes our program for its pairing of rebates and retrofits with targeted education to maximize savings from smart irrigation technology.
Importantly, the program has produced measurable results.
As an example, in 2024, irrigation- and landscape-retrofitted commercial properties in Colorado Springs gained more than 40 acre-feet* of water savings, which is the amount of water it takes to serve about 140 Colorado Springs families for a year. Working with our landscape partners, we exceeded our water savings goal by a whopping 165%! We expect those savings to increase this year.
A bonus? The professional-level training we provide through this program fosters strong partnerships with local landscape companies.
For our commercial customers
Participation in our program requires use of a landscape contractor trained through the Irrigation Association's Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) program to receive an irrigation efficiency retrofit. This requirement ensures that retrofits are installed and supported by professionals with water efficiency expertise.
Our commercial landscape conversion rebates follow the same rules.
For our residential customers
Required program education focuses on how to properly install and manage smart controllers and high-efficiency nozzles to optimize water use and system performance. Customers must complete a brief educational module and pass a quiz before receiving free smart controllers and/or high-efficiency nozzles through the program. This requirement increases understanding of how to properly install and manage these devices for optimal water savings.
Real benefits
Every drop saved through more efficient irrigation and water-wise landscaping really adds up. It stretches our community’s existing water supplies and delays the need to acquire costly new supplies. Customers benefit from lower water bills and less time spent on yard maintenance while still enjoying a beautiful outdoor landscape.
Learn more about these programs and get ready for next year’s irrigation season by visiting csu.org.
* One acre-foot of water equals one acre of ground covered in a foot of water. In Colorado Springs, an acre-foot of water can serve 3-4 residential customers for one year.
