Irrigating in high-elevation, arid, mountain areas, requires efficient irrigation. Methods like drip irrigation, smart irrigation controllers, and low-water, native plant landscapes are the most effective for maximizing water use and healthy landscapes.
This page provides information on efficient irrigation for Colorado's high-elevation environments as well as tips on irrigation system maintenance and care prior to and post summer irrigation season.
Summer Irrigation
ERWSD is committed to water conservation and requests that all customers do their part to conserve water. Outdoor water use is generally twice the amount as indoor water use and only about 25% of that water makes its way directly back to local waterways. The large amount of water used for landscaping purposes, combined with the small amount that returns to streams, makes efficient and conservative water use extremely important.
Efficient irrigation is crucial for water conservation. Many property owners are watering more than necessary or have inefficient systems. Here are a few ways to ensure your irrigation system is ready for the summer irrigation season and is working efficiently:
- Upgrade and maintain your irrigation system. Look into upgrading your current system to be more efficient and effective. And yearly maintenance will ensure your system works properly and will help you avoid the cost of replacing it.
- Optimize Irrigation: Talk with your landscaper and ensure your irrigation system is properly timed and adjusted for the seasons, your property's watering days, and to meet the specific needs of your plants.
- Use a Smart Irrigation Controller. Replace your current irrigation controller with a Smart one that uses weather data, soil sensors, and rain gauges to automatically adjust irrigation based on plant water requirements.
- Choose Low-Water, Native Plants: Incorporate native, drought-tolerant perennials and vegetation that are well-suited to your property's environment and Colorado's high elevation climate, reducing the need for supplemental watering.
Thank you for doing your part to help conserve water!
WATERING RECOMMENDATIONS BY AREA FOR IRRIGATED LAWN LANDSCAPING
IRRIGATED LAWN IN EDWARDS & EXPOSED SOUTH-FACING AREAS - KGAL / MONTH AT 7" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Area (SF) | Peak: June, July, & Aug. | May & October | June & September |
| 5,000 sq. ft. | 22 | 11 | 16 |
| 10,000 sq. ft. | 44 | 22 | 33 |
| 15,000 sq. ft. | 65 | 33 | 49 |
| 20,000 sq. ft. | 87 | 44 | 65 |
| 25,000 sq. ft. | 109 | 55 | 82 |
| 30,000 sq. ft. | 131 | 65 | 98 |
| 35,000 sq. ft. | 153 | 76 | 114 |
| 40,000 sq. ft. | 174 | 87 | 131 |
IRRIGATED LAWN IN VAIL, AVON & PROTECTED NORTH FACING AREAS - KGAL / MONTH AT 6" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Area (SF) | Peak: June, July, & Aug. | May & October | June & September |
| 5,000 sq. ft. | 19 | 9 | 14 |
| 10,000 sq. ft. | 37 | 19 | 28 |
| 15,000 sq. ft. | 56 | 28 | 42 |
| 20,000 sq. ft. | 75 | 37 | 56 |
| 25,000 sq. ft. | 93 | 47 | 70 |
| 30,000 sq. ft. | 112 | 56 | 84 |
| 35,000 sq. ft. | 131 | 65 | 98 |
| 40,000 sq. ft. | 150 | 75 | 112 |
WATERING RECOMMENDATIONS BY AREA FOR NON-LAWN LANDSCAPING
Other types of landscaping usually require less water than lawn or non-native turf grass. In the below tables, vegetation in these areas require only 67% of the water used on lawns. Many types of vegetation will require little to no supplemental irrigation and these tables should be used as a maximum for irrigation. Consult with your landscaper, the CSU extension office, or other trusted resource to evaluate your landscaping needs.
NON-LAWN IRRIGATED AREA IN EDWARDS & EXPOSED SOUTH FACING AREAS - KGAL / MONTH AT 7" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Area (SF) | Peak: June, July, & Aug. | May & October | June & September |
| 5,000 sq. ft. | 15 | 7 | 11 |
| 10,000 sq. ft. | 29 | 15 | 22 |
| 15,000 sq. ft. | 44 | 22 | 33 |
| 20,000 sq. ft. | 58 | 29 | 44 |
| 25,000 sq. ft. | 73 | 37 | 55 |
| 30,000 sq. ft. | 88 | 44 | 66 |
| 35,000 sq. ft. | 102 | 51 | 77 |
| 40,000 sq. ft. | 117 | 58 | 88 |
NON-LAWN IRRIGATED AREA IN VAIL, AVON, & PROTECTED NORTH FACING AREAS - KGAL / MONTH AT 6" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Area (SF) | Peak: June, July, & Aug. | May & October | June & September |
| 5,000 sq. ft. | 13 | 6 | 9 |
| 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 13 | 19 |
| 15,000 sq. ft. | 38 | 19 | 28 |
| 20,000 sq. ft. | 50 | 25 | 38 |
| 25,000 sq. ft. | 63 | 31 | 47 |
| 30,000 sq. ft. | 75 | 38 | 56 |
| 35,000 sq. ft. | 88 | 44 | 66 |
| 40,000 sq. ft. | 100 | 50 | 75 |
Learn more about irrigation and gardening resources with CSU extension.
For questions about irrigation efficiency or other water conservation matters, contact us at [email protected].
Winterizing Your System
Appropriate seasonal use and care is important in ensuring efficient irrigation systems.
The first frost in Vail usually occurs in early September and a bit later down valley. In the fall, landscaping is going dormant and it's time to turn off irrigation systems and winterize your yard.
Preparing your system before it gets cold will help prevent broken lines and water waste. Failure to prepare your system in the fall can lead to frozen irrigation lines, burst pipes, water waste, and costly repairs in the spring.
If you are not familiar with this process, we recommend contacting an irrigation specialist. Below is a short checklist to winterize your irrigation system:
- Turn off the water supply to your irrigation system.
- If you have a Smart controller or automated timer, turn that off too.
- Drain water from the pipes, sprinklers, lines, and hoses. Be sure to remove all the water so that it won’t freeze and break the pipe.
- Blow out each line with compressed air using the appropriate pressure (we recommend contacting an irrigation specialist to do this to prevent any potential damage to your system).
- Protect valves and backflow preventers. Protect the main shut off valve for your irrigation system from freezing temperatures. Insulate backflow preventers and valves if they are above ground.
Call an irrigation expert if you have questions or concerns.
Thank you for doing your part to help conserve water!