Denver Water incentives pay for irrigation efficiency
Incentives and rebates offered by Denver Water make being
green more economical
The Denver Housing Authority has enjoyed a rewarding relationship with Denver Water since 2005: Denver Housing Authority installs landscape and irrigation upgrades and Denver Water writes them a check for it. What are friends for? Denver Water has helped the Denver Housing Authority keep maintenance costs under control by offering them a custom irrigation incentive plan, which is saving the agency time, money and plenty of water.
Starting in 2005, Denver Housing Authority partnered with Denver Water to design and implement water efficient irrigation systems and Xeriscape landscaping in two of its developments. In these areas, Denver Water reduced sod coverage by 25 percent and reduced irrigation water use by 6-8 million gallons annually. Overall, for the Denver Housing Authority, who covers the water bills for all homes and properties it manage, water costs are significantly less and maintenance of home exteriors is much more manageable. However, the most notable perk is the $60,000 Denver Water paid the agency to make these upgrades.
"Denver Water helped Denver Housing Authority make changes that have proven to be cost-effective for property maintenance and enhancement of the community and property," said Greg Williams, Denver Housing Authority Facilities Manager. "The check is certainly a benefit too."
Denver Water conservation specialists visited two Denver Housing Authority developments and performed a free audit on their irrigation systems. Specialists outlined a list of landscape and irrigation changes that maximized water savings. The Denver Housing Authority's Lincoln Park development implemented a thorough landscaping plan based on these suggestions that replaced much of the existing sod, put in water-efficient Xeriscape landscaping, changed sprinkler heads, added drip irrigation and installed new controllers with rain sensors. The price tag for this makeover was around $500,000; however, each year this amount is whittled away when Denver Water mails a $20,000 incentive check for the sizeable water savings.
The Denver Water incentive program pays $7,000 per acre foot of water saved over a five year period, including up to $10,000 of landscape design assistance. Additional rebates on rain sensors and irrigation controllers are also available to reduce overall costs. Denver Water was able to design a plan for Denver Housing Authority, based on the upgrades they made, that utilized incentives and rebates to make the construction project more affordable. Denver Water incentive program contracts can be customized for golf courses, commercial properties, Home Owners Associations, park areas and other irrigation customers.
"Our partnership with Denver Water enhances the appearance of our properties in a manner that is both economically and ecologically sustainable," said Ismael Guerrero, executive director of the Denver Housing Authority.
Residents were initially apprehensive about the landscaping changes, concerned their landscaping would stand out against neighboring lawns. What they found, however, was that Xeriscape lawns were both compatible with Housing and Urban Development standards and equally as aesthetically appealing. Denver Housing Authority facilities managers also found that the irrigation and landscaping changes had little effect on the curb appeal of the homes and helped them with everyday maintenance.
"The healthy, well-maintained landscapes complemented the adjacent neighborhood and enhanced the community as a whole," Williams said.
The Denver Housing Authority has been emphasizing the importance of conservation as something that is both economical and environmentally responsible. Denver Water's incentive program makes being green more economical by shortening the payback period for irrigation and landscape upgrades or modifications.
Denver Water irrigation customers can schedule a free outdoor audit and learn more about Denver Water's Irrigation Efficiency Program by going to www.denverwater.org or calling 303-628-6343 to speak with an outdoor conservation specialist.