Smart Watering for a Changing Colorado: Understanding New Regulations
Colorado's landscape is known for its rugged beauty, but its climate is changing. Hotter summers and unpredictable rainfall are putting more pressure on local water resources. For homeowners who take pride in their lush lawns and vibrant gardens, this new reality calls for smarter ways to water to keep water bills down and protect Colorado's future.
Fortunately, managing your water use is becoming easier and more rewarding. New regulations and advanced irrigation technology are aligning to help you maintain a beautiful yard while conserving our most precious resource. This article explains the new Colorado water regulations and how you can benefit from advancements in smart watering technology to make your irrigation more efficient.
A New Era of Water Conservation in Colorado
Starting January 1, 2026, Colorado is taking an important step toward a more sustainable future. Under HB 1161, irrigation products sold in the state must include WaterSense-labeled irrigation controllers, as well as spray bodies equipped with pressure regulation and a built-in check valve. This reflects Colorado’s strong commitment to water conservation and ensures that homeowners have access to the most efficient, water-saving technology available.
This regulation positions Colorado as a leader in responsible water management and makes it easier for homeowners to support sustainability while maintaining the health and beauty of their landscapes.
What is WaterSense?
WaterSense is a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can think of it as a trusted label for water efficiency. When a product earns the WaterSense label, it means it is certified to be at least 20% more water-efficient than average products in the same category, all while performing as well as or better than regular models.
For homeowners, choosing WaterSense-labeled products offers several key benefits:
- Save Water: Significantly reduce your outdoor water consumption.
- Save Money: Lower water bills add up to substantial savings over time.
- Maintain a Healthy Landscape: WaterSense products deliver the right amount of water exactly where it’s needed, promoting healthier lawns and gardens.
Since its creation in 2006, the WaterSense program has helped Americans save trillions of gallons of water and billions of dollars on utility bills. It’s a simple way to make a big impact.
Rain Bird’s Commitment to Sustainability
At Rain Bird, our philosophy is “The Intelligent Use of Water™.” We believe that beautiful, healthy landscapes and responsible water use can, and should, go hand in hand. Our products are engineered to help you achieve both.
We also actively partner with communities and homeowners to promote sustainable watering practices. From weather-based controllers that use local data to avoid overwatering, to pressure-regulating sprinklers with check valves that deliver water precisely, our systems are designed to support a greener future, with rebate programs to make it easier for you to make the switch to smarter irrigation.
The Technology Behind Smart Watering
Smart irrigation is more than just a timer. It’s technology that makes intelligent decisions about when and how much to water your landscape.
Weather-Based Smart Controllers
The heart of a smart irrigation system is the controller. Unlike traditional timers that run on a fixed schedule, WaterSense-labeled smart controllers use local weather data—like rainfall, temperature, and humidity—to automatically adjust watering schedules. For example, Rain Bird’s ARC Series controllers can be managed from your phone, allowing the system to skip a watering cycle if it rains or adjust run times during a heatwave. This technology can save the average household up to 30% more water.
Pressure-Regulating Sprinklers
High water pressure is a common cause of water waste in sprinkler systems. It creates a fine mist that easily blows away or evaporates before it can be absorbed by the soil. Pressure-regulating sprinklers, like Rain Bird’s 1800 Series PRS spray heads with Seal-A-Matic check valves, solve this problem by maintaining a constant, optimal water pressure. This ensures that water is delivered in larger, more uniform droplets that are less susceptible to wind and evaporation. The result is a healthier lawn and significant water savings.
Rebates and Incentives in Colorado
Upgrading to a smart irrigation system is an investment that pays for itself. Many local water providers across Colorado sweeten the deal by offering rebates on WaterSense-labeled products. These incentives can make the switch more affordable and accelerate your return on investment.
Rebate amounts and eligibility can vary, so it’s a good idea to check with your local water utility to see what programs are available to you.
Simple Tips for Smart Watering
Ready to make your watering habits smarter? Here are a few practical tips you can implement today:
- Inspect Your System: Check for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, or clogged nozzles. A single broken sprinkler can waste thousands of gallons of water in a single season.
- Water in the Morning: Water early in the day, before 10 a.m., to minimize evaporation from the sun and wind. This ensures more water reaches the roots of your plants.
- Cycle and Soak: Reduce runoff by watering for brief intermittent periods rather than one long watering cycle, allowing water to soak into the soil between cycles.
- Upgrade to Smart Technology: Consider installing a WaterSense-labeled smart controller and pressure-regulating sprinklers with check valves. Check for local rebates to help with the cost.
- Group Plants with Similar Needs: When designing your garden, group plants with similar water, sun, and soil requirements together. This allows you to water each zone more efficiently.
Your Future Grows with Smart Watering
Colorado's changing climate challenges us to be more mindful of our water use. By embracing smart watering practices and technologies, you can save money on your water bill and invest in a sustainable future. The upcoming 2026 regulations are a powerful step forward, and the right irrigation products from Rain Bird make it easy to be part of the solution.
