Rainwater Harvesting & Irrigation Solutions
Maximizing water use via rain barrels, downspout redirects, and other irrigation solutions can provide water for plants and trees, which in turn reduce air pollution, minimize flooding, shade your home, and provide resources to pollinators and urban wildlife. Focused adaptation programs also help lower your energy bills and keep you informed, prepared, and resilient! What's not to love?
New!
Every Drop Counts: A Water-Wise Workshop Series
Denver is experiencing drought and extreme heat. During this time of limited resources and a changing climate, residents have the chance to be well-equipped to harvest rainwater for free, and maximize their irrigation systems at little or no cost to them. The Park People’s Every Drop Counts: A Water-Wise Workshop Series aims to help residents do just that, by providing residents with free tools and resources they need to conserve water, save on bills, and keep their yards and communities green.
The Workshop Series:
-
Rainwater Harvesting 101
- Dates: June 20th & July 25th
- These first two workshops will introduce rainwater harvesting. You will learn what it is, how it works, and why it is helpful in Colorado. These workshops will be led by water leader and advocate, Jessica Thrasher, with the Colorado Water Center.
-
Rainwater & Irrigation Solutions: Demonstration & Distribution
- Date: August 15th
- This final workshop will be a hands-on demonstration. You will see how to install rainwater and irrigation systems, and you will also get materials and support from a Community Connector.
Who Can Attend
This workshop series, consultations, and materials are free for residents who live in:
Barnum, Barnum West, Globeville, Montbello, Villa Park, Valverde, West Colfax, and Westwood.
If you live outside these neighborhoods, you can still attend! We have a limited number of spots for $30 per workshop. We will send you an invoice to confirm your spot. Your registration is not complete until payment is received.
If you are interested in the materials being distributed at the August 15th distribution, they may be available for purchase. Please reach out to our Community Connector team first at brenda@theparkpeople.org to learn more
Free Consultations
During this series, you can also sign up for a free consultation with a Community Connector. During the consultation, they can:
- Visit your property and view your space
- Suggest water-saving ideas and solutions for you
- Recommend trees and shrubs that fit your yard
- More information about tree and shrub selection and availability will be shared here soon!
- Help with basic solutions setup and installation
If live outside the listed neighborhoods and are interested in a consultation for $50, you can request one by connecting with our team
Ready To Join Us?
Register for our workshop series! More information on how the process works is listed below.
For additional questions about workshops, consultations, or eligibility, please reach out to brenda@theparkpeople.org
How the Program Works
Step 1: Attend a Workshop
Attend one of our Rainwater Harvesting 101 workshops by registering above. You will learn what rainwater harvesting is, how it works, and why it is helpful in Colorado.
Residents do not have to attend a workshop to register for a consultation, but workshop participants may be prioritized
Step 2: Sign Up for a Consultation
After the first workshop, residents may complete a consultation registration form
During a consultation, a trained Community Connector or Water-Wise Volunteer will
- Visit your property
- Walk through your outdoor space
- Identify water-wise opportunities
- Recommend possible rainwater harvesting or irrigation solutions
Step 3: Prepare for your consultation
- Before your consultation, residents may need to complete a few required steps depending on the type of project you are interested in
- You will need to call 811 Before Digging* if you are interested in:
- Rain Gardens
- Coloradoscape gardens
- Trees
- Shrubs
*Must contact 811 to have underground utilities marked before consultation
- Complete a soil infiltration test
- Residents who are interested in rain gardens or coloradoscape gardens must complete a soil infiltration test before their consultation
Step 4: Tree and Shrub Opportunities*
Consultations may also identify if your property is suitable for a future tree or shrub planting
Please note:
- Trees and shrubs require a separate application process
- Applications will open during our Fall Tree Distribution Program
- Consultation recommendations do not guarantee an approval
*More information about the tree and shrub program will be shared soon
Step 5: After your consultation
- Staff will review your assessment
- Material needs and square footage will be calculated
- Approved materials will be based on availability and site conditions
Consultations will finish two weeks before the final workshop.
Residents will receive follow-up communication with:
- Approved materials
- Next steps
- Workshop reminders
- Distribution details
Step 6: Final Workshop
- The final workshop will include a hands-on installation demonstration
- Water-wise education
- Distribution of approved material
- Residents living outside of eligible neighborhoods can purchase materials and pick up
What are irrigation solutions?
Irrigation solutions are water-efficient systems that can help you keep your yard hydrated while conserving water at less cost to you. Some common solutions our programs recommend and provide include, but are not limited to:
- Rain barrels
- Downspout redirects
- Hose timers
- Tree diapers
- Wood mulch
- And even native and adapted plants, including trees, help better irrigate and cool your yard!
Visit our Resources Page to learn more about water efficiency, types of irrigation solutions, and how to make your own solutions for little to no cost!
