Skip to main content
Spanish Chinese Arabic German Swedish Russian Italian All languages
City of Fort Collins
 

Utilities

Utilities

Account Access Contact Us Outages Services
home city services Utilities Residential Energy Services Programs Residential Water Efficiency Water-Wise Lawn Care Water-Efficient Sprinkler Systems

Half of a home's annual water usage typically goes to lawn watering. Use less water and maintain a healthy, attractive lawn with these tips.

Design and Installation

Choose the appropriate type of sprinkler:

  • Spray heads are stationary when running and are best for watering irregular shaped areas of 5 to 15 in diameter.
  • Rotor heads move to deliver water and are used for areas 15 to 35 feet in diameter.
  • Use low-angle nozzles to limit evaporation.
  • Drip emitters and micro-sprays are used to water trees, shrubs and flower beds.
  • Because each type of sprinkler delivers water at a different rate, do not mix head types within a zone.

Choose new technology sprinkler components and get a rebate:

  • WaterSense labeled controller: These controllers continuously monitor actual site data and automatically adjust the watering schedule each day.
  • Soil moisture sensor: A soil moisture sensor has probes in the soil that monitor moisture and automatically turn off the controller when a set soil moisture is detected.
  • Rain sensor: A rain sensor automatically turns off the sprinkler controller during or after rainfall.
  • High-efficiency nozzles: These nozzles turn a fixed spray head into a rotating head that applies water more slowly and uniformly.

Follow sprinkler system requirements.

Sprinkler System Operation#

  • Reduce the system operating pressure if you see a fine mist or fog.
  • Adjust sprinkler heads if they overspray onto sidewalk, patio, driveway or street.
  • Use low-angle nozzles to limit evaporation.
  • Repeat short watering cycles to allow water to soak in where water runs off quickly.
  • Try these Sprinkler System Tips and Tricks (PDF 74KB).

If you have an existing sprinkler system, sign up for a free audit. Or check out the Self Audit Kit to do your own audit.

Sprinkler System Maintenance#

  • Routinely check for broken sprinkler heads, improper coverage, clogged nozzles and line leaks.
  • Read Zone Evaluation Problems (PDF 40KB) for solutions to common problems.
  • Reset the watering schedule at least once per month. Use the daily Lawn Watering Guide to learn how much to water. The guide is also published daily in the weather section of the Coloradoan newspaper.
  • Read about Your Sprinkler System (PDF 50KB).

Did You Know?

Using power strips to turn off selected appliances when not in use helps reduce energy use.

Pre-heating your home before 5 p.m. in the winter and coasting through the on-peak hours can save money on your utility bill.

Rebates are available to install interior and exterior lighting controls at your business.