Drought & Conservation Resources
GreenCO is Part of Colorado’s Water Supply Solution
Colorado’s climate is changing. Intense dry spells are occurring more frequently followed by periods of high precipitation. Wise water use must be a permanent way of life. GreenCO members have been part of the water supply solution for decades by implementing sustainable measures that are significantly reducing outdoor water use. Most Front Range water providers report sustained reductions in outdoor watering over the past 20 years.
GreenCO believes that efficient outdoor water use and beautiful outdoor spaces are compatible and achievable. The industry actively promotes the responsible use of water and other natural resources through the creation of best management and sustainability practices that are widely embraced and used. We rely on science-backed studies and data to guide our recommendations. This includes encouraging more sustainable planning, design, installation and maintenance of our landscapes.
GreenCO’s Approach to Sustainable Landscapes and Saving Water
The green industry recognizes and embraces the need for routine and ongoing conservation and balancing water needed for the overall water supply with that needed for plant health. The industry has and continues to advocate for sensible, science-based methods that reduce water use and maintain plant health.
Resources:
GreenCO 2021 Water Conservation Fact Sheet
GreenCO Long Term Water Policy Positions
Role of Landscape Water Conservation and Efficiency in Meeting Colorado Water Gap
Colorado Water Plan
Only about 3% of Colorado water supply is used on landscapes, including residential and commercial landscapes as well as parks, sports complexes, golf courses, etc. However outdoor watering uses about 50% of residential water. Read more about Colorado's usage in the 2015 Colorado State University study: The Hidden Value of Landscapes: Implications for Drought Planning, Colorado State University.
The Value of Landscapes
A 2015 Colorado State University study, quantified how the 3% of water used for landscapes benefits the environment, protects and preserves wildlife and improves physical and mental health and increases property values. “The use of 3 percent of Colorado’s available water to maintain green landscapes is a legitimate allocation of water resources,” said Tony Koski, professor and Extension Turf Specialist in CSU’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture.
The study documents significant benefits including reduced heating and cooling requirements, better air quality, preserved wildlife habitats and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and economic considerations.
Read more about the 2015 CSU study:
The Hidden Value of Landscapes: Implications for Drought Planning, Colorado State University
Water Conservation and Sustainability Information for Homeowners
The public plays an important role in reducing water use. A beautiful landscape and outdoor water conservation are not mutually exclusive if you learn how to use water wisely.
Resources:
Water Conservation and Sustainability Information for Homeowners
Landscape Water FAQs
A Guide to Water Conservation for Yards and Gardens
A Guide to Saving Water and Your Landscape Investment Year-Round
Plant Select®
Responsible Pest and Weed Management
Colorado Water: Live Like you Love It!
ALCC Tip of the Week – practical landscape tips
Landscape Colorado Facebook page
Drought Updates and Resources: Join the conversation! A message from John McMahon, CEO of ALCC
ALCC Member Ellen Becker on NBC 9 NEWS: How Colorado’s Dry & Warm Winter Affects Your Garden
Ways to Reduce Water Use for Landscape Professionals
Colorado’s Dry Year: DRIP Provides Critical Drought Response Resources for the Western Slope and Across the State
Conserving Water Across the Front Range
What is ColoradoScaping?
Fact Sheets
How Your Sprinkler System Can Save Water and Money
Water Conserving Tips for HOAs and Large Commercial Properties
When and How to Water Your Yard
Xeriscape Is Not a Garden, It's a System
Help Your Yard Survive the Drought
Informational "How-To" Videos
Helping Your Yard Weather Drought Conditions
Xeriscape is a System, Not a Garden
Sprinkler Tips to Save Water
Protecting Your Trees In A Drought
Sustainable Landscaping
The Green industry led the development of best management practices (BMPs) and sustainable landscape maintenance methods with the input of horticulture and water experts. This approach produces landscaping that grows in harmony with the natural conditions of Colorado. Benefits include a reduction in outdoor water use, reducing stormwater runoff, preserving plant health, protecting habitat and more.
Resources:
GreenCO Best Management Practices
ALCC Sustainable Landscape Management Colorado
Green Strategies for Landscapes
GreenCO Messages for Water Providers
Drought & Fire Resources
These are essential resources, guides, and tools — especially important during this Stage 1 drought. Discover articles from Colorado Green News Center, read the latest reports, and discover certification programs to conquer drought and mitigate fires!
Only about 3% of Colorado water supply is used on landscapes, including residential and commercial landscapes as well as parks, sports complexes, golf courses, etc. However outdoor watering uses about 50% of residential water. Read more about Colorado's usage in the 2015 Colorado State University study: The Hidden Value of Landscapes: Implications for Drought Planning, Colorado State University.
Drought Resources
Ask your landscape professional if they are certified in ColoradoScaping or Sustainable Landscape Management — it makes a big difference during drought!
Featured Articles
- • What is ColoradoScaping?
Learn how to create beautiful, sustainable landscapes using native and water-wise plants. - • Drought Updates and Resources: Join the conversation! A message from John McMahon, CEO of ALCC
Official call-to-action from ALCC CEO with important drought updates and resources for members. - • THE MOST UP TO DATE DROUGHT RESOURCES FOR COLORADO
Curated roundup of the latest drought tools, reports, and guidance available right now. - • Stage 1 Drought Declared by Denver Water
What Stage 1 drought means for your landscape, watering rules, and next steps. - • Clarifications from Denver Water for ALCC member questions
Straight answers to the most common questions ALCC members are asking about current restrictions. - • Denver Board of Water Commissioners approved temporary drought pricing
Details on the new temporary pricing structure and how it affects customers. - • Leading Through Colorado’s Drought: ALCC Board Member Nicole Stone Shares Timely Strategies
Practical strategies from industry leader Nicole Stone to help you navigate the current drought. - • Denver Board of Water Commissioners' Resolution for Stage 1 Drought Declaration
Official resolution document declaring Stage 1 drought in the Denver Water service area. - • Broomfield Water Use Restriction Update - Addressing Challenges Presented by Ongoing Drought Conditions
Latest water-use restrictions and guidance specific to Broomfield. - • ALCC Member Ellen Becker on NBC 9 NEWS: How Colorado’s Dry & Warm Winter Affects Your Garden
Expert insights on how this winter’s conditions are impacting gardens and what to do next. - • Ways to Reduce Water Use for Landscape Professionals
Practical water-saving techniques and best practices for landscape professionals. - • Colorado’s Dry Year: DRIP Provides Critical Drought Response Resources for the Western Slope and Across the State
How DRIP is delivering drought-response support statewide, with focus on the Western Slope. - • Conserving Water Across the Front Range
Region-wide water conservation tips and success stories from the Front Range.
Reports
- • Urban Landscape Conservation Task Force Report
Key findings and recommendations from the 2024 Urban Landscape Conservation Task Force.
ALCC Programs & Certifications Promoting Drought Resistance
-
ColoradoScaping Certification
This program focuses on drought-tolerant plant selection, efficient irrigation design, soil health improvements, and sustainable practices tailored specifically to Colorado's unique environment and water challenges.
Learn more here! -
Sustainable Landscape Management (SLM) Certification
Emphasizes long-term water conservation, integrated pest and weed management, soil stewardship, and drought-resilient strategies for professional landscapers and managers.
Learn more here!
Fire Resources
Wildfires are inextricably linked to drought. Below are comprehensive resources to help residents and landscape professionals understand fire risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
The ColoradoScaping Certification also includes a comprehensive Fire Mitigation Module designed to help create landscapes that reduce wildfire risk while conserving water.
Learn more about ColoradoScaping Certification →
- • Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control
Fire management strategy and oversight across Colorado, providing information on fire bans, current incidents, and public education programs. - • Colorado Wildfire Defense
What Colorado’s New Wildfire Resiliency Code Means for Your Home or Property - • Colorado United – Governor’s Wildfire Resources
The Governor’s official portal for wildfire recovery and preparedness resources, linking various state agencies in one location. - • Colorado State Forest Service – Wildfire Mitigation
Take action to prepare your home and community for wildfire. - • Colorado State Forest Service – Wildfire Risk Viewer (Interactive Map)
Type in an address to see the professional wildfire risk rating for that specific area. - • CO TRIP (Colorado Department of Transportation)
Essential travel resource for monitoring road closures and evacuation routes during active wildfire seasons.
Community & Preparedness Tools
- • LiveWildfireReady.org
Collaborative state-sponsored campaign with a simple, actionable checklist to prepare your home and family for evacuation. - • Firewise USA
Find if your community is a Firewise Site (often unlocks local grants or assistance for debris removal).