Dear Eartha, Between the severe drought and watering restrictions in my area, how can I help my homeowners association conserve water and still maintain an attractive landscape?

We mountain folks know snow, and this past winter was hard to ignore. In fact, Colorado just wrapped up its lowest snowpack season in recorded history. Since most of Summit County’s water supply comes from snowpack and snowmelt, less snow leads to scarcer water supplies for us to use inside our homes and on our lawns. Sadly, winters like this one may just be our new reality. Projections from the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization indicate that we’ll continue to see hotter summers and warmer winters, decreasing snowpack levels and causing earlier spring runoff. The result? Earlier and more intense droughts, which greatly limit our water supply, and often lead to watering restrictions like those we are seeing this summer.  As a matter of fact, Summit County is already in an exceptional drought, the highest intensity drought stage. This is unprecedented in the spring, when we typically experience peak runoff.

The importance of conserving water

By 2050, projected water demand within the Blue River Watershed is expected to exceed available supply,posing a critical threat to long-term water security. As a headwaters community, this gap will ripple downstream, impacting not only our local community but also all those dependent on the Colorado River, including fish and wildlife. Too much demand on rivers have led to decreased streamflows, particularly in dry years like this year. A minimum streamflow is important for sustaining healthy river ecosystems and water quality, not only contributing to environmental benefits but also ensuring our ability to recreate in Colorado’s rivers. By conserving water in Summit County, we can help protect our water supply, our wild playground and our livelihoods. So, how can you conserve water in Summit County?

Every drop counts

Did you know that as much as 50% of the water we use outdoors is wasted due to poor watering methods, inefficient irrigation systems and evaporation? Non-native plants like Kentucky bluegrass are especially thirsty and struggle in our dry, high-altitude environment. As watering restrictions become the summer norm, these water intensive lawns are also more likely to turn brown. Improving irrigation systems and upgrading lawns to native, drought-tolerant plants can dramatically reduce water waste and even lower your annual water bill. That’s right, you can save water and save money!

Wondering how to get started? The first step is to schedule a Water Smart lawn assessment by visiting the High Country Conservation Center’s website. Available to homeowners associations, single-family homeowners (including duplexes, triplexes and townhomes) and businesses, the assessment will ensure that your irrigation system is operating efficiently and that you have the most sensible grasses and plants for our climate. After your assessment, you’ll receive a report detailing a list of recommendations to keep your space beautiful without wasting water.  High Country Conservation Center will help cover the cost of the assessment and also offers rebates for any eligible irrigation and lawn upgrades you make.

Still have questions? Call the experts at High Country Conservation Center. Their staff is available to guide you through every step of the process.

Looking for other ways to conserve water?  

1. Pay attention to local watering restrictions. No matter where you live in the county or how you water your grass, follow local watering guidelines for a water-smart lawn. And remember, anyone who has a well is not allowed to irrigate without a Water Augmentation Plan.   
2. Transform your lawn into a beautiful mountain oasis.  Find tips, landscaping plans and more on the center’s website to help you replace unused areas of your grass lawn with drought-resistant plants that conserve water, support pollinators, and look beautiful all summer long.   
3. Drink beer, not water! Join High Country Conservation Center, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District and Blue River Watershed for the “Water in the West” series at Highside Brewing in Frisco. Each month this summer, attendees will learn about critical water issues impacting our region. The first event will be Wednesday, June 17, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Learn more and sign up on the center’s website. 

The fact that you’re thinking about water conservation means you’re already leading the way. The next step is to turn that good intention into a water-wise landscape that benefits your whole community.

Ask Eartha Steward is written by the staff at the High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation. Submit questions to Eartha at info@highcountryconservation.org.