Drought Resources

Discover essential tips and articles from Colorado Green News Center, read the latest reports, and discover certification programs to conquer drought, save water, and keep your landscapes lush and vibrant!

Only about 3% of Colorado water supply is used on landscapes, including residential and commercial landscapes as well as parks, sports complexes, golf courses, etc. However outdoor watering uses about 50% of residential water. Read more about Colorado's usage in the 2015 Colorado State University study: The Hidden Value of Landscapes: Implications for Drought Planning, Colorado State University.

Featured Articles

• • Drought Updates and Resources: Join the conversation! A message from John McMahon, CEO of ALCC
• • ALCC Member Ellen Becker on NBC 9 NEWS: How Colorado’s Dry & Warm Winter Affects Your Garden
• • Ways to Reduce Water Use for Landscape Professionals
• • Colorado’s Dry Year: DRIP Provides Critical Drought Response Resources for the Western Slope and Across the State
• • Conserving Water Across the Front Range
• • What is ColoradoScaping?

Reports

• • Urban Landscape Conservation Task Force Report

ALCC Programs & Certifications Promoting Drought Resistance

ALCC offers specialized programs and certifications designed to help landscape professionals create and maintain water-wise, sustainable landscapes that thrive in Colorado's challenging climate.

• ColoradoScaping Certification

  This program focuses on drought-tolerant plant selection, efficient irrigation design, soil health improvements, and sustainable practices tailored specifically to Colorado's unique environment and water challenges. This new ColoradoScaping Certification is poised to transform Colorado landscapes and was created based upon the key findings from Governor Polis’s Urban Landscape Conservation Task Force Report.

  Learn more here!
• Sustainable Landscape Management (SLM) Certification

  Emphasizes long-term water conservation, integrated pest and weed management, soil stewardship, and drought-resilient strategies for professional landscapers and managers.

  Learn more here!