Hydrologists and climatology experts across the state predict that we will experience agricultural and residential water shortages by 2050. Grand County and other jurisdictions are developing Drought Preparedness Plans to become better stewards of the Colorado River providing actionable steps at each stage of drought. Coloradans need to make better choices now in the way we use and conserve water. On average, Coloradans have done a pretty good job of saving water compared to others around the country, but as we face increasing threats to our water resources, we need to each take personal responsibility to conserve and increase our efficiencies for the long term. Outdoor water irrigation makes up the largest portion of residential water use and there are easy ways that each of us can lower the amount we use on yards. For years Denver Water and other organizations have educated us on xeriscaping, using efficient water-wise sprinklers and improving our lawn watering times. We can still enjoy the beauty and satisfaction of growing our own lawns but explore new innovative ways to conserve water such as investing in modern synthetic turf in place of unused small strips of grass, replacing overgrown shrubs with native drought resistant plants, and building more shade structures and planting more trees to lower water use. These are all simple steps, but we must take action now and become better stewards of our precious water resources used in our homes, businesses, agriculture, and recreation.
The Headwaters River Journey is located at the Headwaters of the Upper River Basin of the Colorado River. Its mission is to bring awareness about the critical role the Headwaters play in our environment, economy and Colorado lifestyle and to educate ways each of us can take action in conserving our greatest resource – water.
The OWOW Center is proud to collaborate with the Headwaters River Journey and Center to bring awareness to how Front Range water use impacts the Fraser River watershed.
