Working Together to Promote Landscape Water Conservation

A joint effort of the Green Industries and Homebuilders of Colorado.

Given the rapid growth occurring throughout the Colorado Front Range, the promotion of water conservation practices for the many new developments being planned and constructed is timely.

Colorado’s inherently dry climate coupled with several years of drought have led to increased awareness of the importance of water conservation both indoors and outdoors in recent years. As a result, the Green Industries of Colorado (GreenCO) and the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver (HBA) partnered together with support from the Colorado Governor’s Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) to promote landscape-related water conservation and water-quality protection at new homes and developments.

Both GreenCO’s and the HBA’s members are directly affected by the significant challenges of water shortages, so it was logical for the two groups to work together to promote landscape water conservation. This article summarizes some of the key findings of the study, including background on landscape irrigation practices, key aspects of existing green industry and homebuilder water conservation programs, case studies of several homebuilders focusing on water conservation, and a synopsis of how water conservation training continues to move forward in these industries in Colorado.

Background
Although the Colorado drought has raised public awareness about the need for water conservation, landscape irrigation data show that overwatering is an important source of water waste. As an example of the extent of this overwatering, Wright Water Engineers of Denver, CO, compiled data at three residential developments where builders had been sued due to structural damage, wet basements, and poor drainage. Gross overwatering, as shown in Table 1, was a key cause of this damage. Not only do these practices waste water and money; there can be additional consequences for builders, as in the case of these three lawsuits.

Water shortages in Colorado are and will continue to be a pervasive problem for both the industry and homeowners. The fact that over half of treated water along the Front Range currently goes to landscape irrigation means that landscaping and landscape-related businesses will be adversely impacted by water shortages related to current and future droughts. In addition, population growth rates along the Front Range, some of the highest in the nation, have put enormous pressure on the state’s limited water resources. This problem affects both the green industry and homebuilders.

As GreenCO has worked within its own industry for the past few years to develop and promote water conservation, it also has recognized the critical importance of partnering with developers and homebuilders because they influence the types of landscapes installed at new homes. The HBA also has worked with its membership to promote both indoor and outdoor water conservation through a variety of programs. One of the goals of this project was to increase the consistency and extent of landscape water conservation practices between the HBA and GreenCO. Highlights of water conservation practices promoted in each industry follow.

GreenCO Landscape Water Conservation Practices
GreenCO is an umbrella trade organization representing the common interests of seven landscape-related trades. With more than 1,500 member companies, GreenCO represents diverse interests from landscape architects and contractors to nurseries and sod growers. Each of GreenCO’s members has in common an economic dependence on built landscapes. In 1996, GreenCO began aggressively working to understand and respond to challenges posed by water shortages resulting from drought and population growth. GreenCO has recognized that for successful landscape water conservation to occur, it is critical to work with diverse partners such as the HBA, Denver Water, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Colorado WaterWise Council, and others.

The foundation of GreenCO’s current water conservation and water-quality practices is the manual Green Industry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the Conservation and Protection of Water Resources in Colorado, which was originally released in 2002 and was revised and re-released in May 2004 (GreenCO and Wright Water Engineers). The term best management practices refers to nursery, retail, and landscape design; installation; maintenance; and operation methods that have been identified as efficient and effective approaches for water conservation and water-quality protection. The industry-wide BMP project encourages conservation through responsible water management practices for both industry professionals and consumers. The manual, which includes 31 specific practices, is available from the GreenCO Web site (www.greenco.org), as well as on a CD-ROM and in a hard-copy notebook. Also, in 2005, the manual was translated into Spanish.

HBA Landscape Water Conservation Practices
The HBA recognizes the importance of both water conservation and water-quality protection.The recent severe drought conditions and increasingly stringent water-quality regulations under US Environmental Protection AgencyPhase II have brought these issues to the forefront.With this in mind, the HBA has pursued a multipronged approach to these issues including the Built Green Colorado program, the quality construction certification educational series and accompanying manual, the HBA policy on water, the HBA Water-Wise plan, educational articles in a trade magazine, a series of seminars on stormwater management and soil erosion control,and partnering with GreenCO through this project. Brief descriptions of each component of the HBA’s programs that address landscape water conservation follow.

First, the Built Green Colorado program provides an opportunity for homebuilders committed to natural resource conservation and protection to receive recognition for their efforts based on a point system for specific practices on the Built Green checklist. Introduced in 1995, Built Green Colorado was created through the joint efforts of the HBA, OEMC, Xcel Energy, and E-Star Colorado.The purpose of Built Green Colorado is to encourage homebuilders to use technologies, products, and practices that will

• provide greater energy efficiency and reduce pollution;
• provide healthier indoor air;
• reduce water usage;
• preserve natural resources; and
• improve durability and reduce maintenance.

In addition to the Built Green Colorado program, the HBA also provides a quality construction training course for site supervisors semiannually. The course includes a notebook of information on a variety of topics. The landscaping and water usage information in the notebook emphasizes the importance of the builder working closely with the landscape contractor. The manual provides a landscaping checklist for the builder that includes topics such as use of mulches, zoning of plants, soil improvements, efficient irrigation, and other water-wise measures. The manual also provides a list of helpful tips for homebuyers with regard to water conservation practices for home landscaping.

Survey of Homebuilders: How Interested Are Builders in Landscape Water Conservation?
In order to better assess builder interest and practices with regard to landscape water conservation, an e-mail survey was distributed to HBA member companies. About 29 companies responded to the survey. The survey results indicated a wide range in builder approaches to landscape water conservation. The majority of builders responding to the survey indicated that they implemented a variety of approaches such as providing educational materials to homebuyers, installing Xeriscape and water-efficient irrigation systems at model homes, and using water conservation–oriented specifications at new homes and common areas. Approximately 15% of these builders had written company policies providing specific guidance on water-conserving landscaping practices. Roughly one-third of the builders had no standard practices or policies in place with regard to landscape conservation.

In order to determine what types of landscape water conservation practices builders were implementing, the landscape-related water conservation practices on the 2003 Built Green Checklist were provided in the survey to assess builder practices. The most commonly implemented practices were protection of trees and natural features during construction and saving and reusing topsoil, as identified by 70% to 75% of those surveyed. About half of the builders provided at least 3 cubic yards of soil amendment per thousand-square-foot area, installed efficient irrigation systems (i.e., hydrozones, drip), and installed turf in practical areas (i.e., avoided steep slopes or narrow strips). Slightly less than half (40%) of the builders implemented Xeriscape principles and mulched planting areas to a minimum depth of 3 inches. About one-third of the builders provided irrigation efficiency devices (e.g., rain shut-off devices), installed low-water plants/outdoor living areas in half of the landscaped area, provided a list of drought-tolerant plants to homebuyers, and incorporated water-wise landscaping at model homes. Around 15% to 20% of builders directed stormwater runoff to landscaped areas or provided for infiltration through installation of permeable walkways, patios, or driveways. Few builders provided example water-wise landscaping and sketch plans to homebuyers.

About half of the builders responding to the survey showed interest in water-wise written specifications and/or guidance on soil amendment, irrigation system design and installation, tree protection during construction, turf installation, and water budgeting. About one-third were interested in model landscape maintenance contracts.

The majority (65% to 75%) of those responding to the survey were interested in providing educational brochures to homeowners on topics such as Xeriscaping, lawn care, protecting landscapes during drought, water budgeting, and water-wise tips. More than half of those responding were interested in attending a water-wise landscaping course or presentation if offered by the HBA.

Provided that the survey results are considered to be representative of HBA builders, the responses indicate that the majority of HBA builders are interested in landscape water conservation and are seeking additional information on the subject.

Builder Landscape Water Conservation and Water-Quality Protection Case Studies
To assess how builders are going about promoting and/or implementing water conservation and water-quality protection, several homebuilders were contacted to participate as case studies. The goals of the case studies were twofold:

• Assess what water conservation practices builders are implementing.
• Share these approaches with the broader builder community to demonstrate how water conservation and water-quality protection can be integrated effectively into builder practices.

The three builders selected included Engle Homes, McStain Neighborhoods, and Village Homes. The landscape practices used by these builders vary and provide a good snapshot into the range of practices being implemented by builders in the metro-Denver area. Highlights of the builder case studies follow.

Engle Homes
Engle Homes has taken a proactive approach to water conservation due to the 2003 drought restrictions across the Front Range. Moreover, Engle desired to educate its buyers about Colorado’s semi-arid climate and appropriate landscaping for the Colorado Front Range. Engle’s concept was to create a “Water-Wise Program” in conjunction with its “High Performance Homes” to combine interior and exterior water-use efficiency and to provide a “Step-Up” in buyer choice.

As part of Engle’s Water-Wise Program, it created a water-wise booklet with Valerian LLC to provide buyers with information regarding Xeriscape, soil preparation, hydrozoning, efficient irrigation, mulching, appropriate maintenance, and drought-tolerant plants. The booklet also provides five alternative backyard Xeriscape designs that buyers can request to have Engle’s subcontractors install, hire their own subcontractor, or use the designs for their own landscaping. The costs of the backyard designs were calculated and included in the water-wise booklet. A summary of these costs is provided in Table 2.

Engle’s Water-Wise Committee met with its vendors on several occasions to obtain feedback and buy-in to the program. Missouri Mules and D&S Landscaping were given the task of working with Engle to create front yards that were not “cookie cutter” designs. Engle Homes asked them to vary the trees and shrubs on each lot and to vary the locations of bed areas in an effort to promote Xeriscape design and prove to buyers that Xeriscaping can be appealing.

In addition to developing educational materials and providing backyard landscaping alternatives, Engle Homes completes front yard landscaping in most of its projects. The water-wise standards for these installations include the following:

• Soil amendments added (3 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet)
• Irrigated turf limited to 50% to 60% of the total landscape area
• Balance of yard planted in drought-tolerant bedding areas and rock or wood mulches
• Use of drought-tolerant trees and shrubs
• Drip irrigation zones installed for shrub beds
• Rain sensors installed as standard to curtail irrigation during natural precipitation

In June 2003, Brighton Crossing was the first project where Engle Homes implemented its new front yard design, which at the time included 100% rock mulch on the small side of the front yard. After review by its Water-Wise Committee and vendors, and comments from prospective buyers, Engle decided it had to modify its design to include turf areas on both sides of the driveway in addition to the rock/wood mulch bed areas because the original design had created a “sea” of rock.

One of the biggest struggles in sticking with this program was justifying the cost. The basic front yard landscape design adds approximately $2,500 per lot minimum, therefore increasing the base price of Engle’s homes. After much discussion and delay to determine if this was the right decision, Engle Homes felt obligated to provide this as a service to its customers, and with its vendors’ assistance, Engle Homes was able to finalize its water-wise booklet in August 2003 and implement its standards in approximately 50% of its projects. In most jurisdictions, however, drought restrictions were still in place, limiting landscape installation. Feedback on the program was generally positive from sales staff, and the program continues to evolve.

McStain Neighborhoods
In 2003, McStain Neighborhoods developed a guidance document called the “McStain Neighborhoods Water Conservation Standards for Common Area and Open Space Landscapes.” These standards were based on the following guiding principles:

• Planning and designing for beauty and livability, as well as water conservation, long-term sustainability, and integrity of landscape design
• Soil improvement specific to site
• Practical use of irrigated turf
• Innovative irrigation methods
• Plant selections appropriate to local climate and grouped according to individual water and habitat needs.
• Mulching planting beds to reduce evaporation
• Maintenance of completed landscape with sound horticultural and water conservation practices
• Marketing and education to encourage end users to adopt water-wise landscaping principles (see Exhibit 1)

Combining all of these principles, McStain has implemented a multifaceted approach that combines water budgets with Xeriscape design principles, development of maintenance and irrigation specifications for landscape maintenance companies, and education of homeowners with regard to landscape management and expectations.

A few examples of McStain’s cutting-edge standards include these:

• Water budgets: The landscape design process should incorporate a general outdoor water budget to be used as a guideline for irrigation design and long-term landscape management. The water budget includes a “Maximum Applied Water Allowance” (MAWA) for landscaping based on evapotranspiration, landscaped area, and irrigation efficiency. The water budget should be incorporated into the Homeowners’ Association projected budget and fees.
• Irrigation design criteria: McStain recognizes that efficient irrigation systems are critical to water conservation and that these systems may have higher upfront costs. Irrigation specifications are provided that consider factors such as irrigation efficiency devices, irrigation designs based on “Estimated Applied Water Use,” initial irrigation system audits, and other measures.
• Landscape maintenance criteria: One aspect of McStain’s landscape maintenance criteria includes tracking actual water use and comparing these amounts to the original MAWA to ensure that the landscape is not being overwatered.

In addition to on-the-ground practices, McStain recognizes that marketing and education are necessary to encourage end users to adopt water-wise landscaping principles. Some of these ideas are listed in Exhibit 2.

In order to promote long-term landscape water conservation, McStain has developed both landscape maintenance and irrigation system maintenance specifications so that expectations are clearly defined for contractors. These specifications also are based on water-wise principles.

In addition to the practices listed above, which are intended for application in open-space areas, McStain also has developed water-wise landscape design guidelines and plant lists for use on individual lots in the High Plains Village in Loveland.Because McStain’s projects following these standards are still in the early phases of development, performance data and potential water cost savings were not available for inclusion in this report.

Village Homes
Village Homes was selected as a case study representative of many builders in the state that follow the guidance of various local governments with regard to landscaping recommendations and modify their landscaping practices accordingly. When Village installs individual lot landscaping, it strives to provide water conservation–oriented specifications for irrigation systems, soil amendment, and/or landscape design. Specific practices that are frequently implemented include:

• Trees and natural features onsite are protected during construction.
• Site topsoil is saved and stockpiled for reuse where determined valuable by soil analysis.
• Turf is installed in areas where it can be practically irrigated and maintained (e.g., avoiding narrow strips or steep slopes).
• Areas planted with turf should not exceed a maximum slope of 25%.   

Village also has employed a variety of new technologies to assist in water conservation, such as subsurface irrigation in areas troubled by high exposure and high winds and providing a warning device to help alert homeowners when drip irrigation systems are malfunctioning. Xeriscape principles have been implemented at some developments. Village has recognized the importance of homeowner education with regard to the critical role that landscaping practices play in a development, both in terms of community enjoyment and protection of water quality.

Moving Forward
Since August 2005, GreenCO, in partnership with many cities along the Front Range, has kicked off a training road show to present the Green Industry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the Conservation and Protection of Water Resources in Colorado to industry professionals concerned about outdoor water use in Colorado. Since the program’s inauguration, a total of nine classes have been held with nearly 420 field professionals representing hundreds of entities from the green industries, cities, municipalities, homebuilders, and other organizations having attended.

Feedback received from those who’ve participated has been positive. Many attendees have communicated that they have implemented the BMPs in their day-to-day projects and are educating others about the BMPs and advising their peers to attend.

Looking onward, GreenCO hopes to leverage its momentum by getting others involved. The training consists of a one-and-a-half-hour training course followed by a 100-question written exam on the course material. Those who earn a passing score of 75% are rewarded a certificate of completion and designated as “Seal of Knowledge” recipients on GreenCO’s Web site.

Advertisement

The HBA continues to offer its Built Green Colorado training program to builders. Many of the principles identified during the course of this project have been incorporated into the “Built Green university” training program, as well as integrated into the Quality Construction program offered by the HBA.

For more information on GreenCO’s training program, visit www.greenco.org. For more information on the HBA’s programs, visit www.hbadenver.com.

Author's Bio: Jane Clary is a project manager with Wright Water Engineers Inc.;

Author's Bio: Brenda O’Brien is a project manager with GreenCO

Author's Bio: Kim Calomino is director of technical affairs/director of Built Green Colorado with the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver