Tired of watching your sprinklers run while your water bill climbs? In Broomfield and nearby Westminster, a few smart changes can cut outdoor use, lower costs, and still keep your yard looking great. You want a yard that fits our semi-arid climate, local rules, and your lifestyle. In this guide, you’ll learn which irrigation upgrades deliver the biggest savings, how to replace thirsty lawn with waterwise options, and where to find local rebates. Let’s dive in.
Why smarter yards matter here
Front Range landscapes thrive when you align plants and irrigation with sun, slope, and soil. Outdoor watering is often the biggest flexible part of your monthly water use, so dialing it in pays off. You can save water, protect curb appeal, and keep maintenance reasonable with a plan tailored to our region.
Broomfield purchases treated water regionally and coordinates conservation with partner utilities, so local rebates and programs can offset your costs. That also means watering rules may change by season and drought stage, so it pays to stay current.
Know the rules before you dig
Broomfield watering rules
Broomfield’s Water Use Ordinance sets limits like watering no more than three days per week and only during approved hours, with tighter schedules possible during drought. Always check the city’s current stage and exact allowed times before you set your controller. You can find updates on the city’s Water Use and Drought Restrictions page.
- See current rules: Broomfield Water Use and Drought Restrictions
Westminster drought stages
Westminster uses a staged Drought Management Plan. Guidance can shift from voluntary three-day watering to mandatory limits when conditions tighten. If you live in Westminster, confirm your allowed days and any rotational schedules before you water.
- Learn more: Westminster Drought Management Plan
HOAs and Colorado law
Colorado law prevents HOAs from banning drought-tolerant landscapes or requiring turf in most cases. That said, you should still follow your HOA’s design review process and city requirements before starting a project. When in doubt, review a summary of the state protections and ask your HOA for its pre-approved designs.
- HOA overview: Colorado xeriscaping and HOA rules
High-impact irrigation upgrades
Smart controllers that adjust to weather
WaterSense-labeled smart controllers automatically adjust run times for local weather or soil moisture. Replacing a basic timer with a WaterSense model can save thousands of gallons per year when programmed correctly. Broomfield and Denver-area programs often rebate qualifying controllers, which lowers the upfront cost.
- How they work: EPA WaterSense smart controllers
- Rebates: Broomfield Residential Water Rebates and Denver Water outdoor rebates
Switch to rotary or high-efficiency nozzles
Rotary or high-efficiency nozzles apply water more evenly and more slowly, which reduces runoff and waste, especially in wind or on slopes. These heads run a bit longer per cycle but often use the same or less total water because distribution is better. Many utilities rebate these nozzles, so you can upgrade a whole zone for a modest net cost.
Use drip for beds and trees
Drip and low-volume irrigation deliver water directly to roots, which cuts evaporation and overspray. Keep turf and plant beds on separate zones so each gets the right schedule. Add a rain or soil-moisture sensor to pause watering when your landscape has enough moisture.
Lawn replacement options that fit the Front Range
Turf alternatives that sip water
Limit turf to areas you actually use for play or pets, and replace the rest with low-water choices. Popular options here include buffalograss, blue grama, and drought-tough fescue blends. For non-lawn areas, consider xeric groundcovers and perennials that handle sun and heat well.
- Design principles and plant picks: CSU Extension xeriscaping guide
Garden kits and removal services
Resource Central offers two popular programs. Garden In A Box provides predesigned, Front Range plant kits that are waterwise and pollinator friendly. Their Lawn Replacement program helps you remove lawn yourself or hire removal, with partner discounts that have reached up to $750 in recent seasons; the program requires at least 50 percent living, waterwise plant material and does not allow chemical removal.
- Explore options: Resource Central Lawn Replacement
- Plant kits: Garden In A Box
Westminster’s free and discounted offerings
Westminster partners with Resource Central on free and discounted programs, including lawn replacement pathways and sprinkler evaluations. Availability can change seasonally, so check what is open now.
- Current offerings: Westminster free Grass to Garden program
Your step-by-step plan
- Confirm rules, HOA approvals, and eligibility. Review city watering rules and any drought stages. Ask your HOA about its xeriscape review steps and pre-approved designs.
- Book a sprinkler evaluation. Free or low-cost audits often spot leaks, pressure issues, and timing mistakes that you can fix before bigger upgrades.
- Apply for rebates before you buy. Many programs want pre-approval and receipts for WaterSense controllers, rotary nozzles, and other items.
- Replace lawn in phases. Start with nonfunctional areas or hot spots. Use a Garden In A Box kit for a quick win, or schedule a Resource Central removal if you want help. Follow program rules if you plan to claim a discount or rebate.
- Install efficient irrigation and mulch. Put drip on beds, group plants by water needs, set your controller to city-allowed days and hours, and adjust seasonally.
What it costs and how savings show up
Basic sod removal often runs about 0.50 to 2.00 dollars per square foot if you do it yourself or hire labor and equipment. Resource Central’s removal service is typically about 2.50 dollars per square foot before partner discounts, and some seasons include up to 750 dollars off for eligible projects. DIY xeriscape conversions can land near 4 to 8 dollars per square foot, while professional designs with irrigation updates often range from 10 to 18 dollars per square foot or more depending on features.
WaterSense-labeled controllers and upgraded nozzles can trim thousands of gallons a year when paired with a good schedule. Sprinkler audits often pay back quickly by finding leaks and mismatched nozzles. Rebates from Broomfield, Denver Water, and partner cities reduce upfront costs and shorten the payback window.
Simple watering tips that work
- Water early morning or evening on your assigned days to reduce evaporation.
- Split long run times into two shorter cycles to cut runoff on slopes.
- Check heads monthly for clogs, leaks, and overspray onto pavement.
- Update your seasonal schedule at least four times a year, especially at spring start-up and after first frost.
Ready to create a yard that saves water and still turns heads when it is time to sell? If you want a local perspective on upgrades that add curb appeal and value, reach out to Dianne Goldsmith for a friendly, informed conversation.
FAQs
What are the best low-water lawn alternatives for Broomfield and Westminster?
- Buffalograss, blue grama, and drought-tough fescue blends are strong options for lawns, and xeric groundcovers and perennials can replace nonfunctional turf to reduce watering.
How much can a smart irrigation controller save?
- WaterSense-labeled controllers that adjust to weather or soil moisture often save thousands of gallons per year when properly programmed and paired with efficient nozzles.
Can I get rebates if I live in an HOA community?
- Often yes, but you still need HOA approval and to follow program rules; many rebates require pre-approval and proof of purchase from the water provider on your account.
Do I need a permit to change the strip between sidewalk and street?
- Requirements vary by location, so check with your city’s planning department before removing turf in tree lawns or public easements, and follow any approved plant lists or design standards.
What is the fastest way to start lawn replacement?
- Tackle a small, sunny section first with a predesigned plant kit, upgrade irrigation in that zone, and use mulch to lock in moisture, then expand what works to the rest of the yard.
