Reducing Water Demand

Water-Wise Planning & Landscaping

Every drop of water counts in the fight against climate change. From how we plan for our communities to how we landscape them, WRA is leading the way to implementing water-wise practices to prepare for a hotter and drier future.

The West Is Growing Fast, And Our Water Supplies Are Not

Local governments are on the frontlines of the West’s water crisis. Climate change is drawing down rivers and making it increasingly difficult to meet water demands. But by growing water smart, communities can make the most of limited water supplies and protect rivers. 

Integrated Water & Land Use Planning

For decades, land use and water planning were kept separate. Land use planners would simply tell water managers how much water they needed for a new development, and the water managers would provide.But this approach simply doesn’t work in the era of drought and climate change. For a secure water future, land use planners and water managers must work together to integrate water efficiency and conservation into all phases of community planning and development. Communities can grow water smart by:  

  • Sharing key planning information such as growth and development trends and water supply and demand data between departments and agencies;   
  • Ensuring that land and water planners collaborate to provide input on long-term plans and development proposals to make sure there is sufficient water to meet the community’s needs; and   
  • Adopting codes, regulations, or fee structures to promote water efficiency, reuse, and water conservation priorities. 

Integrated planning is possible at virtually any stage of the planning process: from crafting community plans, to adopting zoning codes, to reviewing development applications. 

Want to help your community grow water smart? Check out our community hub for guidebooks, case studies, and more.

Leading workshops

In Utah, WRA is working with the Utah Division of Water Resources, the Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy, and Utah State University to host workshops bringing together community staff and decision makers to integrate water and land use planning. After teams complete the workshop series, they become eligible to apply for a technical assistance grant to carry out a water and land use integration strategy. Projects include auditing land use code, updating landscape regulations, identifying funding opportunities for priority projects, and incorporating water efficiency into general plan updates  

Providing technical support to communities

WRA experts help communities implement water-wise practices including in:  

  • Clearfield, Utah: WRA supported the city in identifying funding opportunities for priority water related projects, including funding secondary metering, and city turf conversion projects. 
  • Moab, Utah: WRA worked with city staff to develop a new waterwise landscaping code that limits nonfunctional turf and establishes strong irrigation standards.
  • Provo, Utah: WRA worked with the city to identify ways to reduce water waste on commercial properties.  
  • Broomfield, Colorado: WRA helped draft a new landscape ordinance that limits the use of turfgrass in new residential and commercial properties. 
  • Edgewater, Colorado: WRA supported the city in developing a new waterwise landscaping ordinance, which prohibits nonfunctional turf in certain parts of the community, limits the use of thirsty cool season turfgrass, prohibits artificial turf in landscaped areas, and requires the use of efficient irrigation in multifamily, commercial, civic, and institutional properties. 

Driving state action

WRA is also securing wins for water at the legislature. For example, in 2022, we successfully advocated for legislation that created the first ever statewide turf replacement program in Colorado. This program ensures property owners across the state can access financial resources to replace thirsty turfgrass with drought-tolerant, sustainable alternatives. But just replacing existing turf isn’t enough. We must also keep it from being installed in the first place. In 2024, WRA advocated for the passage of SB 24-005 in Colorado, which prohibits nonfunctional turfgrass on new non-residential properties. And in Utah, WRA supported legislation that provides statewide funding for turf replacement in communities with water efficient landscaping ordinances. 

Water-Wise Landscaping

In the West, roughly half of urban water is used outdoors with most of this going to irrigate nonfunctional turfgrass. One way that communities can stretch limited water supplies is by adopting water-wise landscaping practices that use native and drought tolerant plants, organic mulches, efficient irrigation technology, and other water conservation best practices. These practices help communities: 

  • Save money. Lower water use means a lower water bill. In addition to water savings, water-wise landscapes are also often cheaper to maintain and require little to no mowing, pesticides, or fertilizers. 
  • Support healthy ecosystems. A water-wise landscape that incorporates native plants can support birds, butterflies, bees, and wildlife. 
  • Build resilience to climate change. Water-wise landscapes help communities stretch limited water supplies, ensuring that future generations will have enough water to meet their needs. In other words, turning the sprinklers off will help cities keep the taps on.
  • Beautify communities. Well-designed water wise landscapes containing a mix of drought-tolerant flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees can increase curb appeal.

Nonfunctional Turfgrass

Unlike a popular community park or sports field, nonfunctional turf is only walked on when it’s mowed – think grass in parking strips, medians, side yards, and office complexes.

What about artificial turf?

While artificial turf may use less water than traditional turfgrass, it comes at a cost. Studies have shown that artificial turf can contribute to the urban heat island effect and, in some cases, even get so hot that it must be watered to cool it down before it can be used for recreation. Artificial turf has also been found to impede stormwater infiltration, damage soils, and leach harmful chemicals into the environment.

WRA is working across the West to:

  • implement state legislation that limits nonfunctional turfgrass;  
  • secure funding to replacing existing turfgrass with water-wise landscapes;
  • support communities in adopting water-wise landscaping codes; 
  • partner with water utilities to develop and expand turf replacement programs; and 
  • support water-wise training and certification opportunities for landscape and irrigation professionals. 

Want to make a change in your own backyard?

Get started by checking out your local native plant society and our blog for tips and water wise plant recommendations 

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