One city changed its development code. The result should reshape its water use for decades.
Broomfield, Colorado, found that 60–70% of its annual water demand was going to outdoor irrigation, much of it keeping non-native Kentucky bluegrass green. Rather than relying solely on drought restrictions, the city changed the rules for future growth.
Today, one of Colorado's strongest landscape ordinances limits high-water turf to 30% of landscaped area in new developments and redevelopments while encouraging native, low-water landscapes. The policy was unanimously approved after extensive public outreach and education.
The ordinance is expected to make Broomfield about 10% more water efficient over time, lower outdoor water demand, reduce customer water bills, support pollinators, and help build a more drought-resilient community—all by designing conservation into the city's future before the next neighborhood is built.
This video is part of Resilience In The Rockies, a series in collaboration with WaterNow.
Thanks to silver sponsors PCL Construction, Norris Design, and the City of Greeley.
waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. Visit https://www.waterloop.org/
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