“So they move here and they have no idea.” Raising awareness is part of Northern Water’s mission, said Frank Kinder, water efficiency and sustainability manager.

While water usage in 2021, 2022 and 2023 was below average in Utah, a large uptick was seen in 2024 and is tracking similarly for 2025, according to the Jordan Valley Water District.

This year, with the water release not set to happen until May’s end and after migration is over for most birds, conditions are bleak. With the riverbed so parched, nesting riparian species like ...

"Even water-wise plants still need additional water to get established," said Cynthia Bee, a sustainable landscape exert for Slow the Flow. "So the best time to make changes is not when we’re in ...

They also recommend that Boulder should create a landscape water efficiency standard and a detailed list of allowable plants. If these changes are approved, they would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

Water re-use simply takes wastewater and purifies it, then uses it elsewhere. Renstrom said a majority of that recycled water would be used outside for landscaping or agricultural use.

It’s everyone’s front yard. It takes a lot of water, and it’s soft on your feet. This is a different landscape.” Editor’s note: This story was updated to correct the spelling of Dena Egenhoff’s last ...

A demonstration garden, installed last fall behind Northern Water’s headquarters in Berthoud offers visitors examples of waterwise landscaping options for everything from backyard gardens to ...

A demonstration garden, installed last fall behind Northern Water’s headquarters in Berthoud offers visitors examples of waterwise landscaping options for everything from backyard gardens to ...