Irrigation policy update: New Colorado law

Colorado HB26-1034 has been signed into law and is set to take effect on August 12, 2026. 

In Colorado, the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado and the Irrigation Association have worked with policymakers and state agencies to address legislation affecting irrigation equipment and professional practice. The issues involved, as well as the outcome, reflect broader policy conversations that could influence how irrigation is regulated in other states.

As a result of these efforts, Colorado HB26-1034 has been signed into law and is set to take effect on August 12, 2026. The enacted statutory language repeals Colorado’s appliance standards requirements for both irrigation controllers and spray sprinkler bodies.

The IA and ALCC worked to support repeal of the irrigation controller requirement because the law contained important ambiguities, lacked workable exceptions and did not lead to a practical compliance solution with the state agency. It also left unclear whether popular, water-savings products used to retrofit existing controllers could continue to be sold. Repeal avoids a framework that would have created confusion, compliance risk and interfered with water savings from the retrofit market all without a clear path for implementation.

We view this as a win for the industry as well as a pragmatic outcome for how best to achieve water efficiency. It preserves the ability of irrigation professionals to choose the right product for the right landscape, which remains essential to saving water in the field.

The spray sprinkler body issue followed a different path. Industry organizations originally proposed a modification to the sprinkler body requirement, but the state agency ultimately requested that it be removed altogether. The agency concluded it was not in a position to enforce the requirement or allocate resources toward compliance activities for these water products. As enacted, HB26-1034 repeals that requirement as well.

We will continue to support efficient irrigation practices and products while advocating for policies that are clear, workable and grounded in how irrigation systems are actually designed, installed and managed. Complete this form to receive updates on the IA’s advocacy initiatives and future developments like the work highlighted above.