Castle Rock Teach by Example Final Report

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TOWN OF CASTLE ROCK ; "Teach By Example" Program Surnmary Page 1 0 wheel barrel load at a time, using the material for the trailer parking area. We increased the size of a paver walkway next to the blue grass. Flagstones were used to create a bird feeding area with the use of ornamental parnpasgrass for an accent. The remaining area was lined with sumac, perennials and shrubs for interest. Automatic irrigation systems were installed at each address by Sunrise Landscaping. These systems were designed around plant material needs, exposures, wind, and slopes. Most areas used drip irrigation, so water will be used only by the plants that need it. Spray heads were used in grass and wildflower areas mostly. These were carefully placed to achieve maximum coverage without over spray. Keith and his crew did a great job, and we thank them for all their effortsl Exterior consumption increased in two of the three households. This was due in part to plant establishment in all locations. t ; At 200 Johnson Drive, the Hopkins, there was also a problem with the irrigation clock for the drip system. This zone ran more than necessary, and was corrected later in the irrigation season. The establishment consumption should still decrease over their previous exterior consumption due to the amount of grass that was removed. The water requirement for that established grass was still at least three to five times higher than that of the new plant material. Their exterior water consumption should be tracked over the next few years to prove this theory. At 929 Oakwood Dr., the Nettles, initial exterior water consumption was probably lower than the landscape required. Each landscape was inspected prior to selection of that homeowner as a participant, however this occurred during the fall. This lead to what may have been a false indication as to how the landscape was maintained prior to retrofit. Once the newly planted material is established, continued irrigation should only be required on the bluegrass area in the back yard. At 1766 Foxfield Dr., the Hargroves, the reduction in exterior water consumption was dramatic. OVERAll On a whole, water conservation is a personal commitment. If a person is looking solely for financial benefits from saving water on their water bill, retrofitting an existing home and landscape is probably not worth the work involved. Conservation is a personal choice. The overall benefits are more easily revealed on the larger scale, by the water supplier involved. 1994 per capita usage for residential customers only was a low 125 gcd. C.:, This does not include system demand or 1055, or any other account type usage. Our