A landscape education program in Colorado Springs has received national recognition for its efforts to promote water efficiency. The program was awarded the Smart Water Application Technologies (SWAT) Outstanding Industry Partnership Award by the Irrigation Association. This honor acknowledges the program’s combination of rebates, retrofits, and targeted education to encourage the adoption of smart irrigation technology.
The initiative, which began in 2022, aims to support higher water savings through educational efforts. According to the program, “We believe that when irrigation technology is better understood by our customers and regional landscape contractors, it encourages adoption of more efficient systems and/or replacement of high-water-use turf with water-wise alternatives. Offering generous rebates is also a key component.”
The program focuses on educating both commercial and residential customers about smart irrigation equipment and water management practices. For commercial customers, participation requires working with a landscape contractor trained through the Irrigation Association’s Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) program. This ensures that irrigation retrofits are installed by professionals with expertise in water efficiency. Commercial landscape conversion rebates follow the same rules.
Residential customers are required to complete an educational module and pass a quiz before receiving free smart controllers or high-efficiency nozzles. “Required program education focuses on how to properly install and manage smart controllers and high-efficiency nozzles to optimize water use and system performance. Customers must complete a brief educational module and pass a quiz before receiving free smart controllers and/or high-efficiency nozzles through the program. This requirement increases understanding of how to properly install and manage these devices for optimal water savings.”
The program has reported significant results. In 2024, commercial properties in Colorado Springs that participated in irrigation and landscape retrofits saved more than 40 acre-feet of water, which is enough to supply about 140 local families for a year. The initiative surpassed its water savings goal by 165% and expects further improvements in the coming year.
The professional training component of the program has also helped strengthen relationships with local landscape companies. “A bonus? The professional-level training we provide through this program fosters strong partnerships with local landscape companies.”
The organization emphasizes that efficient irrigation and landscaping help stretch existing community water supplies and delay the need for costly new resources. Customers benefit from lower water bills and reduced yard maintenance while maintaining attractive landscapes.
More information about these programs is available at csu.org.
