During the winter, outdoor irrigation needs in Colorado reduce dramatically. Water budgets are adjusted to account for the reduced amount of outdoor watering. Lawns have gone into dormancy and don't need extra water, however, trees do.

Water budgets during the winter include 1,000 gallons of water for outdoor use, specifically allocated for customers to water their trees. It is suggested you water your trees once a month to ensure water reaches the tree roots. Water only when outdoor temperatures are above 40 degrees.

At Monday's monthly board meeting, the Centennial Water and Sanitation District Board of Directors approved increases to water and wastewater rates for 2019. A typical single family household will see a 6.8 percent increase for water and wastewater rates in 2019. Additionally the District projects increases of approximately 6.5 to 7 percent per year over the next three years to fund infrastructure needs.

 

The 2019 rates will be an estimated increase of 6.4 percent for a typical single family customer's annual bill changing from $909 in 2018 to $968 in 2019. This includes water, wastewater, stormwater and streetlight fees.

Centennial Water is running a pilot program which may compensate you for turf conversion. A rebate of $1 per square foot, up to $1,000, is available for the removal of any high water use plant material and replacement with Xeric or drought tolerant vegetation.

 

The turf replacement program encourages residential customers to convert water-thirsty plant materials, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, into a water wise landscape. Replacement with other materials, such as artificial turf or hardscape, may be accepted, but requires further approval. 

 

To receive a rebate, the turf conversion must receive approval prior to the work beginning. For more information, contact Centennial Water's Water Conservation Manager Thomas Riggle at triggle@highlandsranch.org or 303-791-0430.