Turf replacement programs in Colorado aim to reduce outdoor water use by replacing nonfunctional grass with drought-resistant alternatives.
Across Colorado, communities are replacing non-functional grass (grass that serves no purpose other than aesthetics) with drought-friendly landscapes to reduce water use. These turf replacement programs aim to conserve millions of gallons annually, but the overall impact on the state’s water supply is relatively small.
At the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), a small grassy area near the campus commons is undergoing a transformation. Once a patch of water-hungry, purely decorative grass, it will soon become a functional space with a patio, hammocks, and native plants.
This project is part of a larger statewide effort to encourage institutions and homeowners to remove unnecessary turf and adopt more sustainable landscaping.
Colorado’s dry climate and ongoing drought conditions have made water conservation a top priority. The state’s lead water management agency, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has launched turf replacement programs to reduce outdoor water use.
Traditional grass lawns require significant irrigation, especially in an arid climate. By swapping nonfunctional turf for native plants or hardscaping, property owners can reduce water use and still maintain green, attractive spaces.
At UNC, replacing the grass in just one area is expected to lower water usage from about three million gallons per year to one million. While native plants may need more water initially, they eventually require little to no irrigation.
Beyond water conservation, these programs help homeowners and businesses lower maintenance costs. Watering, fertilizing, and mowing a traditional lawn can be expensive, while drought-resistant landscapes require far less upkeep.
Despite these efforts, outdoor water use in cities and towns accounts for only about 2.7% of Colorado’s total water consumption. Agriculture takes up the largest share—between 80% and 90%—making urban water savings a small piece of the puzzle.
A 2024 CWCB report estimated that turf replacement programs could save about 0.004% of the state’s total water use. While that number seems minor, experts say it’s still a step in the right direction.
For instance, in Colorado Springs, grass removal and watering restrictions have helped the city expand by 40% while reducing per capita water use by nearly the same percentage. Other cities in the Southwest, like Las Vegas, have cut back on water use even while their populations continue to grow.
Turf replacement programs promote various landscaping options that use less water while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Some of the most common alternatives include:
Xeriscaping method that focuses on drought-resistant plants, mulch, and rock features to reduce water use. Native plant gardens that are naturally adapted to Colorado’s climate and require less irrigation once established.
Artificial turf may also be used. While it eliminates the need for watering, it can retain heat and may not be ideal for all locations.
By choosing the right alternative, homeowners can maintain visually appealing yards while significantly cutting down on irrigation.
Water savings from these projects don’t necessarily mean more water in Colorado’s rivers and reservoirs. Conserved water often supports population growth rather than being redirected to natural sources.
Even so, advocates argue that turf replacement programs have value beyond immediate water savings. They help shift public attitudes toward conservation, showing residents that simple changes in landscaping can lead to meaningful environmental benefits.
Lindsay Rogers, policy manager at Western Resource Advocates, a nonprofit supporting UNC’s project, sees turf replacement as a long-term investment. “The savings might not go back into the river, but they reduce the need for new water supplies,” she explained.
Public projects like the one at UNC can also create a “neighbor effect,” inspiring nearby communities to adopt similar changes. When people see visible examples of successful turf replacement, they may be more likely to rethink their own landscaping choices.
Colorado’s ongoing drought and long-term drying trends make turf replacement more than a short-term solution—it’s a response to a changing climate.
The state has experienced increasingly hotter, drier conditions over the past few decades, with climate models predicting more frequent and severe droughts in the future. Reducing unnecessary water use now can help cities and towns become more resilient to these changes.
By replacing nonfunctional grass with drought-tolerant landscapes, communities can prepare for a future where water is even scarcer. This is particularly important in rapidly growing areas like Greeley, where demand for water continues to rise.
What’s next for turf replacement in Colorado? The CWCB is continuing to fund new water conservation projects. Seven more initiatives are close to approval, and another $470,000 in funding is available.
A new Colorado law will prohibit local governments from allowing new nonfunctional turf to be planted starting January 1, 2026. This means that new developments will need to incorporate water-efficient landscaping from the start.
While Colorado is unlikely to adopt strict enforcement measures like those in Las Vegas—where officials issue fines for wasting water—the state is steadily moving toward reducing unnecessary lawn irrigation.
Turf replacement programs alone won’t solve Colorado’s water challenges, but they represent one piece of a broader strategy to adapt to a drier future. By replacing thirsty lawns with drought-resistant alternatives, communities can reduce strain on water supplies while creating more sustainable public spaces.
