Western Slope Residents Switch to Waterwise Landscaping

The sun beats down on the dry, cracked earth of a typical Western Slope lawn, a stark reminder of the region's water woes. Karen Nestor, a local resident, stands in her front yard, gazing out at the withered remains of what was once a lush, green lawn. "I used to love having a big, green lawn," she says, "but it's just not sustainable anymore."

Here's the thing though: the focus on water conservation in the Eagle River Valley has been largely centered on reducing outdoor water use. And that makes sense, given that less than 20% of water used outdoors returns to the river system. But what about indoor water efficiency? It's not that people aren't concerned about it, it's just that the vast majority of water used indoors locally is nonconsumptive, or is returned to our waterways.

Picture this: a typical household, with its low-flow showerheads and faucets, using water in a way that's barely making a dent in the overall water supply. The water systems and treatment infrastructure are very efficient, with only a small amount of loss through leaks. But outdoors, it's a different story. The water used for irrigation is often lost to evaporation, transpiration, or consumed by vegetation.

Not exactly what you'd call a water-wise system. Take Kentucky Bluegrass, for example. It's one of the most heavily-irrigated and water-intensive crops in the United States, requiring about 26 inches of precipitation during the growing season. In Eagle County, where the average precipitation during the growing season is only 6 inches, that's a significant difference to make up through supplemental irrigation.

And that matters because it's not just about the water itself, but about the broader ecosystem. Kentucky Bluegrass and other lawn turf grasses are non-native mono-crops that provide very little species diversity and minimal benefit as habitat and forage for local wildlife and insects. The use of fertilizers and pesticides on lawns can also lead to poor soil conditions and polluted runoff, impacting water quality and ecosystem health.

Folks around here are starting to take notice, and some are making changes. Converting nonfunctional turf to alternative landscaping like waterwise gardens is becoming increasingly popular. These gardens, like the one located at the Edwards Access Road/US Highway 6 intersection in Edwards, save water, enhance biodiversity, and generally require less maintenance.

As Nestor looks out at her own lawn, she's considering making the switch. "I've heard about these waterwise gardens, and I'm interested in learning more," she says. "I want to do my part to help with the water situation, and if that means giving up my lawn, then so be it."

The community is taking steps to support residents like Nestor, with resources like beyondlawn.org providing information on turf replacement options and how to get started. It's not just about rock and cacti, as some might assume. There are plenty of ways to have a lush landscape that's also water-efficient.

Nestor's lawn may be withered and dry now, but with a little creativity and a lot of water wisdom, it could be transformed into a thriving, sustainable oasis. And as she walks back to her front door, she can't help but feel a sense of hope for the future of water conservation on the Western Slope. The sound of dripping water from a nearby faucet is a reminder that even the smallest changes can add up to make a big difference.