Saving Water in Summit County
Water Conservation in Summit County
Summit County is a headwaters community of the Colorado River and it is critically important to preserve our scarce water resources. The Colorado River is the most endangered river in the country and reservoirs along the Colorado River are experiencing unprecedented shortages, including ours.
As a mountain resort community, water-related recreation – including world-class skiing, rafting, and fishing – is a vital part of Summit County’s economy and culture. As climate change continues to create a hotter, drier climate and our population continues to grow, it is projected that water demand will outpace supply by 2050.
High Country Conservation Center helps our community reduce outdoor water waste through education and our Water Smart Lawn Program.
Water smart Lawn Program
With continued and more severe drought conditions and stricter watering restrictions, it is clear that water is a limited resource we all need to use wisely.
HC3 offers simple ways to help you save water outdoors through our Water Smart Lawn Program. The program is designed to give you the resources you need to make water conserving changes to your existing irrigated lawn or landscape through a simple three step process:
- Step 1: Sign up for a free Water Smart Lawn assessment and receive a detailed report about your landscape
- Step 2: Make upgrades recommended in your report
- Step 3: HC3 will verify your upgrades and help cover costs with rebates
Are you watering the sidewalk? Can’t keep your grass green? Residents, businesses and HOAs are invited to sign up for a Water Smart lawn assessment. Let HC3 connect you with a certified irrigation professional to help you have a beautiful yard without wasting water. Here’s how it works:
- Schedule a lawn assessment with our certified professional. You’ll receive custom recommendations that could save you thousands of gallons of water each year.
- Be present during the assessment to learn more about your system and preventing water waste.
- HC3 will cover all or part of your assessment costs, up to a $450 value for single-family/duplex homes, and $1350 for HOAs and commercial properties.
- Get additional rebates when you make water efficiency upgrades to your irrigation system or decide to transform to a low-water landscape.
After you get your assessment report, the next step is to make water-saving upgrades recommended within your report.
We recommend working with one of these preferred landscapers.
Interested in doing your upgrades yourself? Learn more here.
After you’ve made water-saving upgrades to your lawn based on your unique report, you are eligible for rebates to offset the costs of those upgrades. To learn more about rebate amounts and other details, click here.
You will first need to have your upgrades verified. Schedule Verification.
After verification, you can apply for rebates. Note: You will need proof of payments to include with your rebate request. Apply for a Rebate.
Step 1: Lawn Assessment
Are you watering the sidewalk? Can’t keep your grass green? Residents, businesses and HOAs are invited to sign up for a Water Smart lawn assessment. Let HC3 connect you with a certified irrigation professional to help you have a beautiful yard without wasting water. Here’s how it works:
- Schedule a lawn assessment with our certified professional. You’ll receive custom recommendations that could save you thousands of gallons of water each year.
- Be present during the assessment to learn more about your system and preventing water waste.
- HC3 will cover all or part of your assessment costs, up to a $450 value for single-family/duplex homes, and $1350 for HOAs and commercial properties.
- Get additional rebates when you make water efficiency upgrades to your irrigation system or decide to transform to a low-water landscape.
Step 2: Make Upgrades to Lawn or Landscape
After you get your assessment report, the next step is to make water-saving upgrades recommended within your report.
We recommend working with one of these preferred landscapers.
Interested in doing your upgrades yourself?
Step 3: Verification & Rebates
After you’ve made water-saving upgrades to your lawn based on your unique report, you are eligible for rebates to offset the costs of those upgrades. To learn more about rebate amounts and other details, click here.
You will first need to have your upgrades verified.
After verification, you can apply for rebates. Note: You will need proof of payments to include with your rebate request.
See what Your neighbors are Doing
Peak One Neighborhood Saves Money and Water
What’s red and yellow and purple all over? An infrared camera image! This tool used by home energy auditors revealed invisible air leaks to Nico Cruz and Yes Garcia – showing them where to focus future energy efficiency projects.
Indoor Water Conservation
Don’t own your lawn? Interested in other ways to do your part and save water?
Local Water Conservation Plans
High Country Conservation Center, local governments, and other key stakeholders came together to create the Blue River Watershed Regional Water Efficiency Plan in 2018. This plan is designed to inform water conservation across all of Summit County in a unified way.
More Ways To Save
Design for our Climate
Transition to regional and low-water plants for a gorgeous mountain landscape that uses less water. Work with a pro or research DIY plans.
Consider Compost
Compost helps soil retain more moisture, and it improves soil structure.
Know Your Local Watering Schedule
Some areas in Summit County have year-round watering restrictions.
Maintain your System
If you're not comfortable fixing common problems, work with a certified pro.
Get Efficient Indoors
Learn to be a leak detective and save water in your home.
Water Smart made possible by
