From the Broomfield Enterprise (Mike McNulty):
The beauty of the Rocky Mountains is undeniable, especially when viewed from the plains. Unfortunately, these beautiful mountains create a rain shadow effect that limits the amount of precipitation the Front Range receives. Last year was a dry year, and despite the recent round of snows, this year could be another. We are already behind in moisture when compared to normal, and there is a possibility that some form of water restriction will be implemented this growing season.
The Colorado Water Institute, an affiliate of Colorado State University, estimates that more than 50 percent of residential water consumption is used for landscape irrigation. With good water conservation practices and efficient use of this precious commodity, homeowners can drastically reduce this percentage while sustaining gardens and turf…
As part of the Gardening Recycling Energy Environment Nature Program Series presented by Broomfield’s Parks and Environmental Services departments, a discussion of irrigation techniques and sprinkler systems will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Broomfield Recycling Center, 225 Commerce St. The program is free.
More water conservation tips can be found at ext.colostate.edu/drought/eff_landscape.html.
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More conservation coverage here.
I wanted to let you know about a Kickstarter project launched this week that addresses water conservation in landscape irrigation. Sprinkl has designed an irrigation controller that receives information from soil moisture sensors, local weather forecasts, and local water restructions. Full project details are outlined here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sprinkl/sprinkl-the-next-generation-irrigation-controller