Colorado's Sterling Ranch pioneers large-scale rainwater harvesting for irrigation

Sterling Ranch in Douglas County is set to become Colorado’s first community to test large-scale rainwater harvesting. The project aims to use collected rainfall for irrigation without affecting downstream water users. State officials have approved up to 10 pilot programmes for such initiatives. Dominion Water and Sanitation has already filed a water court application to harvest around 111 acre-feet of water each year from Sterling Gulch. The company confirms there is sufficient harvestable rainfall in the area for irrigation needs.

Sterling Ranch was designed with water efficiency in mind. It features advanced irrigation systems and xeriscaped landscapes using native plants. CU professor Aditi Bhaskar is currently studying runoff from the development to assess its impact on downstream users.

CSU professor Sybil Sharvelle is also involved in rainwater research. She is using the roof of the Hydro Building at CSU Spur to capture rainwater for irrigation. Sharvelle has developed a water augmentation plan to ensure no harm comes to downstream users. She also wants to expand the study of rainwater harvesting to help other communities use water more effectively. Sterling Ranch remains the only community so far to apply for a pilot site under the state programme. If successful, the neighbourhood-wide rainwater harvesting system could serve as a model for other areas. The project aims to demonstrate sustainable water use while protecting existing water rights.