Denver Turfgrass Study

A collaborative visioning process supports a city-wide program that aims to reduce turfgrass and potable water used for irrigation.

With rising temperatures and reduced availability of water due to drought and record low flows in the Colorado River basin, irrigating turfgrass across the city of Denver is no longer economically or environmentally sustainable. To address this issue, enhance the policy already in place for parks, and comply with state water conservation guidance on turfgrass replacement, the City and County of Denver are examining possibilities for a city-wide program to reduce the potable water usage used for irrigation and the quantity of turf in the city. In partnership with Dig Studio, Biohabitats supported this effort to inform internal strategy development among Denver staff and leadership.

Biohabitats and DIG led a collaborative visioning process to examine options for turfgrass reduction. Biohabitats conducted geospatial analysis to map Denver’s non-recreational turf. Dig Studio led a review of turfgrass and water reduction policies and programs and interviewed managers in comparable arid cities with support from Biohabitats. The findings will help inform Denver’s development of standardized terminology, programs, and potential policies in coming years. Such common vocabulary, fact summaries, and tools will assist Denver in transitioning to more sustainable water management and water-wise landscaping.

TAGS

• Policy, Program + System Support