Getting Started with Water-Wise Landscaping

Facing the West's Water Crisis

California's third drought year, Colorado River low 9 of last 10 years, Sierra snowpack projected 25% depleted by 2050, Arizona's San Pedro River groundwater down 30%. Las Vegas proves aridity drives innovation: despite 4.2" annual rain, the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) leads in conservation.

What Worked for SNWA

• Build smart: Encourage water-efficient landscaping/appliances in new homes.
• Hold a contest: Recognize best water-smart landscapes yearly.
• Limit lawn: No front-yard lawns in new homes; desert landscaping mandated. Backyard lawns max 50%.
• Cash for grass: Rebates up to $1.50/sq ft to replace turf with desert landscaping and upgraded irrigation. Average household saves 55 gallons/sq ft removed.

Attitude change is key: "If people believe in what they're trying to accomplish, they'll do more than laws alone."

Colorado River Facts

Lake Mead 46% full (down 110 ft since 2000). 30 million Westerners rely on it. 7 states, 5.2 trillion gallons allotted, 1,400 miles long, 18 million Californians (half the state), 246,000 sq mi watershed, 4" average basin rainfall, started carving Grand Canyon 17 million years ago.

Water-Saving Resources

Aquafornia.com, Bewaterwise.com, ccwater.com/conserve, Denverwater.org, h2ouse.org, Partners4water.org, snwa.org, thegarden.org, Wateruseitwisely.com.