Article
April 13, 2026
Spring Irrigation and Water Conservation
Each spring, the return of warmer temperatures brings renewed activity across UNC's campus—including the careful reactivation of campus irrigation systems
With 255 acres of landscaped grounds, aging infrastructure, multiple land uses and increased climate variability, managing irrigation at UNC requires thoughtful planning, coordination and a strong commitment to water conservation best practices.
In addition to seasonal irrigation planning, UNC continues to take active steps to be a responsible water manager within the City of Greeley and the region. Current efforts include replacing high‑water turf with water‑resilient landscapes, improving soil health through compost amendments, using smart irrigation controllers to reduce excessive watering and coordinating closely with the City of Greeley on conservation programs and watering guidelines. The university is also investing in system audits, targeted infrastructure improvements and the development of a Water Resiliency Conservation Plan to guide future decisions and adapt to increasingly dry conditions.
Irrigation mainline charging begins April 13, allowing Facilities staff to safely pressurize systems and identify leaks before regular watering begins. Athletic fields have been watered since March 1 to support student athletes with playable conditions. Over the following two weeks, grounds teams conduct irrigation head checks and system repairs, a critical step in preventing water waste from broken or misaligned equipment.
Programmed irrigation will begin in high‑use campus areas once inspections are complete. Campus‑wide irrigation programming will start May 1. UNC works to follow City of Greeley watering guidelines by scheduling most irrigation between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m., though the size of campus and aging systems sometimes require watering outside those windows.
An unseasonably dry winter and ongoing new construction have increase early‑season water demands. Establishment watering in new landscape areas occurs under approved variances. Collectively, these actions reflect UNC’s commitment to protecting a shared water resource while maintaining a functional, and welcoming campus environment. With time, our dormant cool season grasses will begin to green.
If you notice broken sprinklers or water concerns, please report issues to the University Service Center so they can be addressed promptly.
