AWWA ACE56349

Population continues to grow in semi-arid Colorado, and so does irrigation water use. Outdoor water use, although seasonal, is the most discretionary use and thus has been the target for severe reductions in many cities and towns across the nation as a crisis response tool. Severe reductions in outdoor water use can decrease water utilities' revenue and damage the local economy as well as the local landscapes. Rather than responding to crises like drought or pump failures, Coloradans have looked ahead and planned for the long term. Water providers (the "blue" industry) have formed alliances with the landscape professionals (the "green" industry) and come up with alternative, non-crisis-oriented solutions that include: new high-tech sprinkler controllers based on ET or humidity; new turf grasses needing less irrigation; best industry practices for irrigation and interactive web site for customers giving minutes of irrigation needed for each sprinkler and plant type; involvement of both blue and green industries in planning for future water supplies; and, jointly- produced education and informational materials. The Colorado WaterWise Council and Green Industries of Colorado are the blue and green industries, respectively, who have pioneered these solutions. This paper explains both the process and the outcomes of this alliance so other states or regions can build on what Colorado has done, with a heavy focus on best industry practices for irrigation. The paper includes what worked, what did not work, and what plans are being considered for the future. Includes 7 references.