Colorado entered this summer after its worst snowpack on record—making outdoor water conservation an immediate supply strategy, not a distant concern.
In Summit County, High Country Conservation Center has brought together local governments, water providers, landscape contractors, nonprofits, and residents to reduce demand across a region where no single jurisdiction controls the problem.
WaterNow’s Project Accelerator was pivotal in turning that collaboration into action. Working with Western Resource Advocates, WaterNow researched successful programs in comparable mountain communities, convened local stakeholders, and developed recommendations for program design, public outreach, and financing. High Country Conservation Center then used that foundation to secure funding from the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Colorado River District, and local partners.
The resulting programs include professional irrigation assessments, equipment rebates, turf replacement, landscaper training, and outdoor demonstration gardens. Residents can receive an irrigation and lawn assessment valued at up to $450, while HOAs and commercial properties can receive up to $1,350. Additional rebates support efficient nozzles, smart controllers, soil-moisture sensors, and low-water landscaping suited to mountain conditions.
After a winter when Colorado’s snowpack peaked roughly a month early with only about half its typical moisture, Summit County’s regional approach carries added weight. It creates one framework across multiple towns and water providers, equips contractors to implement it, and gives property owners practical tools to reduce demand now.
waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.
This video is part of Resilience In The Rockies, a series in collaboration with WaterNow.
Thanks to lead sponsors PCL Construction, Norris Design, and the City of Greeley.
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