A paradigm shift

It’s time for a paradigm shift: Having more landscapes with native or climate-adaptive plants and materials will not only accentuate the beauty of our natural lands but be in line with rain and moisture from Mother Nature. Castle Rock no longer allows Kentucky bluegrass (in new development), the traditional lawn turf, because it takes approximately 30 inches of water per year. Colorado gets, on average, about 15 inches of precipitation each year and thus Texas Hybrid, or similar turf, is a better option. Incorporating more drought-resistant grasses, flowers and shrubs such as Blue Grama, Rocky Mountain columbine and Russian sage provide biodiversity, healthier plants and more interest into the landscape. Once established, these plants only need periodic watering during exceptionally hot and dry periods.

Residents can find a plant finder on CRconserve.com detailing more than 175 water-efficient plants, a gallery of local ColoradoScape gardens, and tips to get started with new designs. Plus, there are rebates for turf renovation, contests, classes and more to help customers make ColoradoScape the norm.

Our State Legislature is backing this shift too. They have several bills supporting xeric landscaping, and now have introduced House Bill 22-1151 with funds for high-water turf removal. While Castle Rock Water already provides $1.20 per square foot of turf removal and replacement with low-water options, the State may be providing more incentives too.

Are neighbors in awe of your landscape?

Is your yard both gorgeous and water efficient? Do people walk by and say “wow"? We’d like to showcase water-efficient landscapes in Castle Rock during our Parade of Gardens! The event is scheduled for late June and as a
Town of Castle Rock event, preparations, insurance and logistics are managed professionally and efficiently. Event staff keep participants in the right places, learning the right things and homeowners have no responsibilities. Please help us inspire our neighbors with ColoradoScape designs right here in Castle Rock. Email or call 720-733-6038 to learn more!

What to do if there is a water emergency?

Castle Rock Water has on-call staff that is available 24 hours a day to respond to water emergencies. Customers simply need to call the main Castle Rock Water line, 720-733-6000 and press 1. A live person will answer to provide a response to the situation and, if warranted, send field staff out to handle the emergency—at any time of day or night. A water emergency is basically one where there is water pouring down the street. Or conversely, if the water service is off unexpectedly. Keep in mind, if a water customer has problems inside their property, it is the customer's responsibility and the main water line shut off valve can be found at the meter, which is usually located in the basement.

Ask the Expert

Castle Rock Water has a slew of water professionals including conservation specialists, water chemists, project engineers and water purification operators who love to talk about water. Email us your question and we may include it in our newsletter!

Customer question: How can East Plum Creek be a sufficient water supply?
Despite being a little creek, East Plum Creek currently can provide much of the water we need in a single day in the winter. That’s about 4 to 5 million gallons. We pump water off the surface and also have shallow alluvial wells reaching into the rocks and soil near the creek. Water rights ensure we and other communities don’t pump out too much, safeguarding a healthy watershed.