Every Drop Counts: Water-Wise Programming
Denver is experiencing drought and extreme heat. During this time of limited resources and a changing climate, residents can take steps to save water and keep their trees healthy.
Rain barrels, downspout redirects, and other water-wise solutions can help you make the most out of the water you use. They provide water for your trees and plants, which help clean the air, reduce flooding, shade your home, and support our pollinators and wildlife! Adapting your yard with solutions like these can help lower your energy and water bills, as well as protect your home against extreme heat. What’s not to love?
The Park People can help residents get started by providing tools and resources to collect rainwater, improve watering systems, save money on bills, and build healthier and greener communities.
Free Consultations
You can sign up for a free* consultation with a Community Connector. Your personalized consultation may include:
- A home visit to inspect your yard and trees
- Recommended trees that work for the space in your yard
- Water-wise solutions that best support the watering needs of your home
- Help with basic irrigation solutions setup and installation
- Connecting you with The Park People resources to help prepare your landscape for trees
*Free consultations are available for residents who live in:
Barnum, Barnum West, Globeville, Montbello, Villa Park, Valverde, West Colfax, and Westwood.
If you live outside the above listed neighborhoods and are interested in a consultation for $50, you can still request one by connecting with our team
Residents in these neighborhoods may also qualify for free water-wise materials based on the needs of their home and landscape.
We are not currently offering consultations outside of these neighborhoods. However, if you live outside of these areas and are interested in buying water-wise materials or learning more about your trees, please reach out to us!
Workshops
There are currently no open workshops
The Park People has previously offered the following workshops and talks:
- Rainwater Harvesting 101
- Water-Wise Solution Installation
- Drought Response (general)
Please check back in February 2027 for updates and information on how to register for our next set of workshops!
What are water-wise solutions?
Water-wise solutions are tools that can help you keep your yard hydrated while conserving water at less cost to you. We primarily use rainwater harvesting solutions and irrigation solutions.
Rainwater Harvesting Solutions
The purpose of rainwater harvesting is to to capture, store, and reuse rainwater and stormwater to water gardens and lawns. Redirecting and recycling this water saves you money on water bills and can help prevent flooding and water waste. Some common solutions our programs recommend and provide include, but are not limited to:
- Rain barrels
- Downspout redirects
- Rain garden plans that feature:
- wood mulch
- rocks
- native and adapted plants including trees
- These help direct the flow and maximize the use of stormwater
Irrigation Solutions
The purpose of these solutions is to maximize the water you are already receiving from Denver Water (or another municipal service) and therefore lower your water use and your water bill. Some common solutions our programs recommend and provide include, but are not limited to:
- Irrigation buckets
- Hose timers
- Tree diapers
- Pollinator and irrigation garden plans that feature:
- wood mulch
- rocks
- native and adapted plants including trees
- These help direct the flow and maximize the use of existing irrigation
Want to do it yourself?
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!
Other Questions?
Reach out to a Community Connector directly
Community Connectors are resident leaders trained in urban forestry and community engagement. They understand the needs of their neighborhoods, and they want to help you go green. Below are our active Community Connectors:
