Project Background

Fort Collins City Council has identified two priorities for Utilities’ Water Conservation staff to develop solutions for:

14. Effective soil amendment policies and compliance (water usage)

19. Xeriscape – Increase rebates and education, less green lawns with new development

As future water supplies become increasingly uncertain, our community can grow more resilient by reducing its water needs. Roughly 40% of our annual water consumption goes to outdoor irrigation. By reducing the water needed for landscapes, increasing the efficiency of irrigation systems, and improving soil health, our community can significantly reduce its water consumption. Utilities staff is considering ways to expand xeriscape principles into City code while evaluating our current soil amendment standard.

Xeriscaping can reduce the water applied to a landscape while increasing pollinator habitat, increasing biodiversity, and improving soil health. Xeriscaping is different than Zeroscaping. Zeroscapes are typically rockscapes devoid of life. Xeriscapes on the other hand, are thoughtfully designed, water-wise and resilient landscapes that incorporate soil health considerations. If you're interested in learning more, please read about the Seven Principles of Xeriscape.

A soil amendment is any material (i.e., compost) added to improve the soil's physical properties. Soil amendment standards exist to enhance soil water storage capacity, improve conditions for plant growth, and reduce water runoff.