Staff Summary: Dec. 15, 2022, Water Commission Presentation

On December 15, 2022, Katie Collins, Water Conservation Specialist, shared four opportunities to impact xeriscape and soil amendment policy with the Water Commission. The opportunities were based on best practices research and public engagement input. Water Commission provided input in advance of the City Council Work Session scheduled for January 10, 2023.

The opportunities:

1. Less turf in new and re-development (three options)
2. Allow synthetic turf in some scenarios
3. Expanded irrigation guidelines and residential equipment efficiency
4. Increase flexibility in soil amendment policy

The water commission agreed that high-water-use grass in medians and parkways serves little purpose and presented an opportunity to limit turf. Much of the conversation was about specific ideas to further the opportunities, as well as describing where the City can make improvements. Two large themes that came from this discussion were education and affordability.