HOA Support

HOAs play an important role in addressing Colorado’s current drought conditions and water conservation. The city has several resources to support our HOAs to maximize water efficiency.

HOA Irrigation Assessment Pilot Program - This Program is closed for the 2026 season.
The city is implementing a pilot program in 2026 to help HOAs conserve water use and lower utility bills. Selected HOAs can receive up to $4,000 towards a detailed irrigation assessment of their common area and recommended repairs.

How it Works

The City will cover 50% of the cost of a detailed irrigation audit, up to $2,000 per property, for irrigation systems with up to 73 zones. The HOA is responsible for the remaining audit cost. If an HOA has more than 73 irrigation zones, the City will subsidize the first 73 zones, and the HOA may contract directly with the City's irrigation audit vendor to pay the full cost of auditing any additional zones. The audit must be completed in 2026. If the HOA completes recommended repairs before June 30, 2027, and provides documentation, the City will apply eligible repair costs toward the HOA's share of the audit, up to a maximum total incentive of $4,000. Otherwise, the HOA will be invoiced for its cost share.

For example, if the total cost of the Irrigation Audit is $3,000, the HOA cost share will be $1,500 and the city will cover the remaining cost. If the HOA proceeds with $1,500+ of recommended repairs from the audit, the city will waive the HOA’s cost share.

Use the calculator in the application to determine the HOA cost share.

How to Apply

Because this is a pilot program, a limited number of HOAs will be selected for participation. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, no later than August 31, 2026. HOAs that can complete audits and repairs prior to 2026 sprinkler winterization will be prioritized. HOAs will generally be notified of their application status via e-mail within one month.

Selected HOAs that wish to participate in the program will be required to sign a Customer Agreement with the city. View a template of the agreement here(PDF, 168KB).

FAQs

How do I determine the HOA cost share for participation?
Use the calculator in the program application.

Can an HOA participate if they have more than 73 zones?
Yes, the HOA is still eligible to participate. The City will subsidize the first 73 zones, and the HOA may contract directly with the City's irrigation audit vendor to pay the full cost of auditing any additional zones.

What information will be provided from the audit?
The HOA will receive a detailed report that includes a summary of existing conditions, recommended repairs referencing specific irrigation zones, estimated costs for repairs and upgrades, and potential water savings.

What kind of recommendations will the audit make?
While each HOA will have its own detailed list of recommended repairs referencing specific zones, common recommendations for large HOA properties include repairing leaks and broken sprinkler heads, adjusting sprinkler heads, and installing high efficiency spray nozzles.

If the HOA proceeds with making repairs, who determines the repairs that should be made?
The HOA may decide which repairs to complete based on the list of recommended repairs from the audit. The HOA does not need to complete all recommended repairs.

Who completes the irrigation repairs?
The HOA is responsible for hiring a contractor to complete repairs. The City or their designee will meet with the Contractor and HOA to review repair recommendations.

Who do I contact with additional questions?
Please email Sustainability@LakewoodCO.gov

HOA Turf Conversion Consultation Program – APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2027

Many HOAs don’t know where to begin when replacing turf with waterwise alternatives that are easier and more cost effective to maintain. Our program administered by Resource Central is here to help projects get started, with guidance, resources and support from start to finish. To participate in the program, proposed projects must replace at least 5,000 sq. ft. of turf, achieve at least 50% plant coverage, avoid chemical turf removal methods, and be completed by September 30, 2027.

What you’ll gain:

Up to 40 hours of direct project support, including site design, help with timelines, guidance on selecting contractors and permitting requirements.
If the HOA completes the project, they may receive $1 per square foot, up to $6,000 upon project completion

To learn more about the program and apply, visit Resource Central’s website. Up to two Lakewood HOAs will be selected for the 2027 season. Your HOA may also be interested in Denver Water’s Landscape Transformation Assistance Program, which also provides awards for lawn replacement.

Webinar: Water-Smart Landscaping & Irrigation for Lakewood HOAs

Learn how Lakewood HOAs can reduce outdoor water use and lower costs through efficient irrigation, turf replacement and practical implementation strategies. This webinar is presented by the City of Lakewood and Denver Water.

HOA Water Conservation Toolkit

This toolkit is designed to help HOA managers, board members and neighborhood leaders lower water use and identify cost saving opportunities. The toolkit includes resources and guidance focused on HOA common area water conservation. We’ve also created content that can easily be copied and pasted in your own communications to help connect your residents with water saving resources.

Download toolkit(PDF, 785KB)