Another Win for Colorado Water Conservation!
What Does This Mean for Colorado?
Concerning the conservation of water in the state through the prohibition of certain landscaping practices.
The Colorado General Assembly recently passed SB24-005 to ‘Prohibit Landscaping Practices for Water Conservation’.
The bill prohibits local governments from allowing the installation, planting, or placement of nonfunctional turf, artificial turf, or invasive plant species on commercial, institutional, or industrial property, common interest community property, or a street right-of-way, parking lot, median, or transportation corridor. The bill also prohibits the department of personnel from allowing the installation, planting, or placement of nonfunctional turf, artificial turf, or invasive plant species as part of a project for the construction or renovation of a state facility.
Landscaping water conservaiton
Outdoor watering of landscaping uses about half of all municipal water. Much of this is used to grow nonfunctional turf, which requires large amounts of water to thrive. While some turf is used for parks, sports fields, and yards, much of it serves no community purpose, such as highway frontages and strips alongside industrial properties. The state has supported turf replacement as a key tool for water conservation, and now this bill focuses on limiting its installation in the first place.
“Water-wise landscaping can help us conserve our precious water resources and embrace the natural landscapes of Colorado.”
“This legislation would cut back on unnecessary water usage on nonfunctional turf used in medians, greenways and parking lots. Increased climate threats and extreme droughts means we need to effectively manage and preserve the water we all rely on.”
“Cutting back on the amount of water we use on nonfunctional turf in commercial areas can help us conserve our water resources across the state.”
“This bill encourages water-wise landscaping and helps our communities embrace the native plants and species that thrive in Colorado. Coloradans are counting on us to effectively and efficiently manage our water resources, and this bill is a step forward in protecting this vital resource.”
By transitioning away from nonfunctional turf, the bill encourages developers, city planners, and managers to choose plants that thrive in Colorado’s semi-arid climate.
SB24-005 will also help Colorado reduce reliance on pesticides, carbon-emitting lawn care equipment, and harmful artificial turf. This bill serves as additional protection for our native habitats, pollinators and birds.
Honeywood Garden Design helps you create and build regenerative landscapes.
