The Castle Rock Town Council is expected to declare Stage 1 Drought conditions effective May 20, 2026. As Colorado continues to face below-average snowpack and dry spring conditions, water conservation is more important than ever for property owners across Douglas County.
At JLS Landscape & Sprinkler Inc., we have been helping Castle Rock and Denver Metro properties manage water efficiently for over 50 years. Here is what you need to know about protecting your landscape while following Stage 1 Drought guidelines.
Castle Rock Water Recommendations for Spring Irrigation
Under Stage 1 Drought conditions, Castle Rock Water encourages all customers to reduce outdoor water usage. Here are the key recommendations:
- Follow your assigned watering days -- Castle Rock uses an address-based watering schedule. Check your assigned days at crgov.com/water.
- Water before 10 AM or after 6 PM -- Avoid midday irrigation when evaporation rates are highest.
- Limit watering to no more than 3 days per week -- Even if your schedule allows more, reducing frequency helps conserve supply.
- Do not water sidewalks, driveways, or streets -- Adjust sprinkler heads to eliminate overspray and runoff.
- Fix leaks promptly -- A single leaking sprinkler head can waste hundreds of gallons per week.
- Use cycle-and-soak methods -- Run shorter irrigation cycles with breaks in between to allow water to absorb into the soil rather than running off.
Why Irrigation Systems Matter During Drought Conditions
A well-maintained irrigation system is one of the most effective tools for conserving water during a drought. Here is why:
- Smart controllers save water automatically -- Weather-based and soil-moisture controllers adjust run times based on real-time conditions, reducing usage by 20% or more.
- Zone-by-zone programming -- Different areas of your property have different water needs. Turf, planting beds, and slopes should each have separate schedules and run times.
- Pressure regulation -- High water pressure causes misting and overspray. Pressure-regulated heads deliver water directly to the root zone where it is needed.
- Drip irrigation for beds and trees -- Converting planting bed zones from spray heads to drip irrigation can reduce water use in those zones by up to 50%.
- Regular audits catch hidden waste -- Broken heads, clogged nozzles, and misaligned rotors waste water silently. An irrigation audit identifies these issues before they add up.
Protecting Your Landscape While Conserving Water
Drought conditions do not mean your landscape has to suffer. With the right approach, you can keep your property healthy while using significantly less water:
- Raise your mowing height -- Taller grass shades the soil, reduces evaporation, and develops deeper roots. Our landscape maintenance team adjusts mowing heights seasonally for exactly this reason.
- Apply mulch to planting beds -- A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch reduces soil moisture loss by up to 70% and keeps root zones cooler.
- Prioritize established trees and shrubs -- New plantings need consistent moisture, but established trees and shrubs can often handle reduced watering if their root systems are healthy.
- Consider drought-tolerant plant replacements -- Native Colorado grasses and xeric plants can reduce long-term water demand while adding beauty to your property.
- Deep-root water high-value trees -- Targeted deep-root watering delivers moisture directly to the root zone of mature trees without wasting water on the surface.
Need Help With Irrigation Adjustments?
JLS Landscape & Sprinkler Inc. provides comprehensive irrigation services including system audits, sprinkler repair, controller programming, and drought-response adjustments for residential and commercial properties across Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Lone Tree, and the greater Denver Metro area.
Whether you need a quick sprinkler head repair or a full system evaluation to optimize water use during drought conditions, our licensed irrigation technicians are ready to help.
