Casper, Wyoming city officials are reporting significant water and cost savings following a series of automation and conservation efforts aimed at improving irrigation efficiency across approximately 120 acres of municipal land.

Conservation Efforts

The city’s Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Director, Zulima Lopez, told councilors that the multi-year effort, which includes infrastructure upgrades and landscape naturalization, has resulted in an estimated 38% reduction in water consumption and approximately $100,000 in savings for the 2026 fiscal year.

The centerpiece of the city’s strategy is the Baseline Irrigation Control System, a citywide automation project that has reached a 61 percent completion rate as of June 2026. The system utilizes base station controllers, substation controllers, flow monitoring, soil moisture metering, and communication infrastructure to centralize irrigation management.

Early results from the automation project show significant localized impact, with the Casper Soccer Complex recording an estimated 5 million gallons in water savings. Other locations, such as Washington Park East and Fairdale Park, have seen combined savings of 675,000 gallons.

Additional Upgrades

In addition to software improvements, the city has modernized pump stations at several locations, including Paradise Valley Park and the Municipal Golf Course. By installing variable frequency drive technology, which matches pump output to actual demand, the city has reduced electrical consumption and infrastructure stress.

The city has also implemented a new municipal water rate, which went into effect in 2025, and is expected to save the city approximately $30,000 annually. The new rate allows for the redirection of limited resources to other maintenance priorities.

Beyond technical upgrades, the Parks Division has identified several areas for naturalization or conversion to lower-water use. Completed turf reduction projects include the Marion Kreiner skate park and the Sage Park arboretum. Additional areas like Long Park and Fort Caspar Park have been partially or fully naturalized to support long-term conservation goals.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.