Water Efficient Landscaping

• Author: Alec LeSher
• Pages: 198-201

198 Sustainable Development Code: Climate Change

WATER

EFFI CIE NT LANDS CAP ING

Alec LeSher (author)

Jonathan Rosenbloom & Christopher Duerksen (editors)

INTRODUCTION

Ecient landscaping ordinances combine several techniques to reduce costs

and time in the maintenance of landscapes.1 ese ordinances can be imple-

mented in areas where there is too much or too little water.2 ey can be

drafted to address ooding challenges or to supplement irrigation needs in

particularly dry areas.3 e ordinances include techniques such as the use

of native and climate adapted plants to reduce the need for additional irri-

gation and maintenance.4 Ordinances add ressing water ow issues through

landscaping may either create incentives to promote particular design and

implementation by oering landscaping credits, or require certain landscap-

ing during the development and approval process.5

EFFECTS

Water consumption is a primary concern associated with many t ypes of land-

scaping. 6 Traditional lawns require large amounts of water to remain healthy

and ascetically pleasing.7 e use of th is water places strain on the water

supply, especially in drier climates, and is very cost ly to both the consumer

and the loc al government.8 Placing too much demand on the water supply

can result in depletion of groundwater reserves and an increase in costs to

maintain municipal water supplies.9 Some landscapes also require chemical

products to maintain healthy appearances, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and

herbicides.10 Many of these products can run-o their a rea of application and

contaminate both ground and surface water, adding to costs and damaging

ecosystems.11

Providing water to customers is also an energy i ntensive process.12 Address-

ing stormwater run-o and providing potable water are some of local govern-

ment’s largest uses of energy.13 Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions needed to

provide water should be considered in light of the utility of hydrating grass