Every Drop Counts: Water-Wise Programming
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?
Active!
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
- Time: 10:00 - 12:00
- 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
- Time: 10:00 - 12:00
- 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.
- If you are unable to attend, but interested in the materials being distributed at this distribution, they may be available for purchase. Please reach out to brenda@theparkpeople.org to learn more
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 by clicking the Register button above! 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.
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.
Note: Residents do not have to attend a workshop to register for a consultation! You may do so separately below on this page
Step 2: Sign Up for a Consultation
Residents can sign up for a Water-Wise Consultation! During your consultation, a trained Water-Wise Site Inspector will:
- Visit your property
- Walk through your outdoor space
- Identify water-wise opportunities for your trees and home
- Recommend possible rainwater harvesting or irrigation solutions
Step 3: Prepare for your consultation
You will be contacted by a Water-Wise Site Inspector who will set up a time to visit your home, talk about solutions that may support your trees, and how to get these materials. Inspectors may also identify if your property is suitable for a future tree or shrub planting.
Please note: If you want a tree or shrub, this will be a separate application process open during our Fall Tree Distribution program. Consultation recommendations do not guarantee a tree or shrub application approval.
Step 4: 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
Residents will receive follow-up communication with:
- Approved materials
- Next steps
- Workshop reminders
- Distribution details
Step 5: 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
Note: there will be a separate distribution opportunity for those who cannot attend the August 15th workshop
Ready to join us?
For any additional questions, please reach out to brenda@theparkpeople.org
Free Consultations
You can sign up for a free consultation with a Community Connector. During the consultation, they can:
- Visit your property and view your space
- Suggest water-wise solutions that better support watering your trees
- 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 above listed neighborhoods and are interested in a consultation for $50, you can still request one by connecting with our team
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. We separate our irrigation solutions into rainwater harvesting solutions and tap water saving 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
Tap Water Solutions
The purpose of tap water 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:
- 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:
