From your landscape design to the technology included in your home. Sterling Ranch residents are encouraged and empowered to make wise water choices. Our Design Review Committee worked with the Denver Botanic Gardens to compile a list of plants that will not only thrive in the dry Colorado climate but will also bring color and variety to your yard, while the tiered water billing structure incentivizes homeowners to stay within their water budget.  The Steward panel and Copper Labs app allows our homeowners to monitor their utility usage in real-time and adjust as needed. The Rachio system included in each home with smart watering and weather intelligence features enables you to make a watering program unique to the characteristics of your yard. 

Rain barrels are a great way to help reduce your water usage even more! 

What is a rain barrel? 
Rain Barrels capture water from your roof downspouts for outdoor watering purposes. This water can be used to water your outdoor plants, lawns, or gardens. 

I thought rain barrels were illegal in Colorado? 
In August 2016 a new Colorado law was passed to allow rain barrels in the state. Homeowners are now allowed to have 2 rain barrels with a maximum storage capacity of 110 gallons. Sterling Ranch is proud to be Colorado's first and only rainwater harvesting pilot program, pioneering this law change in the state for long-term water sustainability efforts.

Will my rain barrel make a difference? 
YES! Water is a precious commodity and every drop counts, especially in Colorado. Using 2 rains barrels to water your outdoor plants could save 1,200 gallons of water a year just from one household. If 850 homes in Sterling Ranch used rain barrels that would be over a million gallons of water saved every year! 

Be sure to visit the CAB website for more information regarding water budgets and the smart technology included in your home.