By Mike Marcum, General Manager, Roxborough Water & Sanitation District

At Roxborough Water & Sanitation District, we ask our customers to use water wisely, so we believe we should do the same. That is why the District recently replaced turf grass at our Water Treatment Plant with xeriscaping, also known as Coloradoscaping.

It is a visible reminder that responsible water management begins with the choices we make on District property and in our own yards.

This project is more than a change in appearance. It reflects a practical decision about how we manage water, maintain our facilities, and prepare for our water future. Our state continues to face drought conditions, changing weather patterns, and pressure on available water supplies. In that environment, every opportunity to reduce unnecessary outdoor water use matters.

Our Water Treatment Plant is a vital part of the community’s infrastructure. The Larry D. Moore Water Treatment Plant came online in 2017 and uses state-of-the-art treatment processes to deliver safe, reliable water to our customers. Replacing thirsty turf around the facility allows us to demonstrate that conservation belongs everywhere—not just in residential yards.

Coloradoscaping means designing a landscape for Colorado’s climate. It does not mean giving up beauty or creating a yard that is difficult to enjoy. A well-planned water-wise landscape can include native grasses, flowering perennials, shrubs, trees, pathways, and gathering spaces. The goal is to match plants to the site and use water where it provides the greatest benefit.

This approach makes sense for our District and our customers for several reasons. First, water-wise plants generally require less irrigation once they are established. One of our water conservation partners is Resource Central, which offers the Turf Replacement, Slow the Flow (a free sprinkler system audit) and Garden in a Box programs.

Resource Central’s estimates that water-wise landscapes can use about 50 percent less water than traditional lawns. Its guidance also notes that replacing 200 square feet of traditional grass can save about 15,000 gallons of water per year. Using that estimate, a homeowner who removes 500 square feet of thirsty turf and replaces it with xeriscaping could save approximately 37,500 gallons annually!

That is a significant amount of water from one landscape change. It also reminds us that conservation isn't limited to turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or taking shorter showers. Outdoor irrigation can account for a large share of household water use, particularly during hot, dry periods. Reducing the area that needs regular watering can make a lasting difference.

Coloradoscaping offers benefits beyond water savings. Native and water-wise plants are better adapted to Colorado’s temperature swings, dry conditions, and seasonal weather. They can be more resilient when irrigation is interrupted, and they often require less mowing, fertilizing, and routine maintenance than conventional turf. A thoughtfully designed landscape can also provide habitat and food for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. In addition, replacing struggling grass can improve curb appeal and create a more varied, interesting outdoor space.

The best landscape projects begin with a plan. Before removing turf, consider how you use the space, how much sun it receives, the condition of the soil, and the needs of pets or children. Fix irrigation problems first and remember that newly planted materials may need regular watering while their roots establish. When removing turf, replace spray irrigation with drip irrigation. Over time, the right plants in the right place, coupled with drip irrigation can significantly reduce your water demand

Roxborough Water & Sanitation District is proud to partner with Resource Central to help our customers make this transition. Through Resource Central’s Lawn Replacement program, eligible customers may receive discounts on turf-removal services. The program includes professional lawn removal and a do-it-yourself option. Projects generally must meet program requirements, including replacing the area with at least 50 percent water-wise plant material. The 2027 application period will open this spring, but customers can visit the website to join the interest list and receive updates about the next cycle.

We encourage residents to look at your landscapes with fresh eyes. You do not have to replace every inch of grass at once. A front-yard strip, side yard, or underused section of lawn can be a good place to start. Each square foot converted to a water-wise landscape reduces future irrigation demand. When many households take practical steps, the combined result is meaningful.

The District’s Water Treatment Plant is one example of that commitment. We hope it encourages our customers to consider what Coloradoscaping could do for their homes, their budgets, and our shared water future. By choosing landscapes that fit Colorado, we can conserve water, support a healthier environment, and help Roxborough remain a resilient community for generations to come.

Learn more and review details on our Save Water & Rebates page.