WRA and our partners have produced resources and tools to help communities make the switch from thirsty, nonfunctional turfgrass to water wise landscaping and to build water smart from the start through integrated water and land use planning solutions.
Landscape Transformation
Report
Financing the Future: How to Pay for Turf Replacement in Colorado
Examines funding and financing pathways available to water providers to scale up local turf replacement efforts.
Report
Waterwise Landscapes: A Cost-Effective HOA Investment in Resilience Summary
Outlines strategies to help Colorado HOAs leverage funding and financing opportunities to pay for turf conversion and maximize the return on their investment.
Policy Review
Exploring Policy Options for Expanding Landscape & Irrigation Professional Certification in Colorado
Compiles policy options to expand landscape and irrigation professional certification in Colorado to reduce water demands.
Case Studies & Examples
Includes examples of turf conversion benefits, community engagement resources, and communication materials.
Report
Is Artificial Turf a Beneficial Water Conservation Tool in the West?
Outlines the benefits and drawbacks of artificial turf as it relates to water management, temperature impacts, lifecycle analysis, PFAS contamination, harmful chemicals, microplastic contamination, pet waste buildup, and cost.
Policy Review
The State of Water-Wise Landscaping Standards in Colorado
Analyzes the state of water–wise landscaping codes among 40 Colorado communities.
Worksheet
Assessing Water Savings from Community-wide Irrigated Turf Replacement Tool
Calculates water savings from landscape conversion scenarios developed by communities.
Worksheet
Landscape Conversion Project Water Savings Estimate Tool
Calculates water savings from different landscape transformation scenarios.
Worksheet
Assessing the Costs & Benefits of Community-wide Irrigated Turf Replacement Tool
Includes interactive worksheets to help utility staff analyze the benefits and costs of turf replacement.
Factsheet
Transforming Non-Functional Turf to Waterwise Landscapes Achieves Multiple Benefits
Describes the qualitative benefits associated with water wise landscapes including access to additional resources.
Report
Colorado Guide to Native and Water Wise Grass Installation and Maintenance
A manual that provides guidance on the installation and maintenance of native and water wise grasses in Colorado, developed by WRA partners.
Integrated Water & Land Use Planning
Policy Review
Outlines notable state water policies and programs from around the United States related to 1) urban water conservation, 2) water reuse, and 3) land use and water integration.
Policy Review
Provides an overview of hundreds of techniques, sample codes, policies, and community examples that explain how to reduce the water footprint of new development.
Policy Review
The State of Water and Land Use Planning: Learning from Colorado Communities
Summarizes barriers, challenges, enabling conditions, resource needs, and priorities for integrated water and land use planning in Colorado.
Policy Review
A Guide to Design Conservation-Oriented Water System Development Charges
Provides options to consider when designing conservation-oriented system development charges for new water connections in the residential, irrigation, and industrial/commercial/ institutional sectors.
