September 2017

62 Plaza Dr. | Highlands Ranch | 303-791-0430 
Water Conservation Icon

Water Efficiency Tip 
Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements. 
Conservation is a way of life
Centennial Water has implemented a number of measures to encourage customers to conserve
water including its water budget tiered rate structure, outdoor watering restrictions, and promotion of low-water use landscapes. As Colorado's population continues to grow, so does the demand on water resources, reinforcing the importance of making water conservation a way of life. Steps we take now will better equip us to handle future water demands.

As seasons change, we may experience dry fall and winter conditions. It is important to remember it's ok for our lawn to turn brown, it's natural for it to become dormant during fall and winter months. And a layer of mulch goes a long way. Mulch retains moisture which aids during dry months, and helps keep the ground warm when the temperatures cool.

There are many tips to follow when considering how to conserve on outdoor watering. For more tips, click here.

It's time to cut back on outdoor watering
Cooling overnight temperatures are a sign it's time to start decreasing the amount of water applied to your landscape. This coincides with a change in your outdoor water budget allocation.

Every Centennial Water customer has a unique water budget based on lot size. It is adjusted for seasonal outdoor irrigation. Each September, the amount allocated begins to taper off due to seasonal temperatures and outdoor water needs.

Water budgets are linked to an increasing tiered rate structure. When water use is greater than the budgeted amount, you will pay more for water, even during unseasonable warm and dry periods. This means if there are dry conditions this fall and you continue to water through October as you have done throughout the summer months, you will see an increase in your water bill because you are using more water than is allowed in your water budget.

To view water rates and to learn more about water budgets, visit  Centennial Water's website.

Eliminate over watering
We all want the beautiful landscape that increases curb appeal to our home. But how do you know if you are overwatering? Here are four signs to look for, signaling it's time to cut back on your irrigation needs.
  1. Weeds popping up all over your lawn is a sure sign of over watering. Certain weeds thrive in a too-wet environment.
  2. Wilting, brown plants mean it's time to cut back on watering. Wilting leaves that turn brown and crinkle are a sign of under watering, whereas wilting leaves that are soft to the touch are indicative of over watering.
  3. A spongy feel to your lawn that you feel as you walk across it.
  4. Look at your adjacent sidewalk, is there runoff from your lawn? This is a sign you are over watering and the soil is unable to soak up all the water you are hitting it with.
Fall is a good time to plant
Springtime is oftentimes thought of as the best season to plant, but in actuality fall has many planting benefits.
  • Cooler temperatures, shorter days and more rain help plants adjust to a new environment and give them more time to establish roots.
  • The soil is still warm in the fall allowing roots to grow until the ground freezes.
  • Fall planting provides for two cooler seasons, fall and spring, before the hot summer months try their best to take a toll on landscapes.
  • Bugs are out in full force during the summer nibbling on leaves and bark, but seem to hibernate or disappear beginning each fall.