As area water agencies try to figure out how to keep up with rapidly growing El Paso County, one thing is certain: water will cost more. Many area neighborhoods and agencies are working to help you keep irrigation costs down while maintaining great landscapes and property values. Typically, irrigation accounts for about half of most Colorado homeowners' water bills; however, landscape beauty doesn't require using more water and spending more money. Water Returns is seeking homeowners to help demonstrate just how to have a beautiful yard in harmony with local water conditions.

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Water Returns includes training, resources and support. Homeowner training will present easy-to-do, cost effective, sustainable landscape practices to enhance property value and significantly lower water use. Training, in cooperation with Colorado State University Extension, targets existing landscapes or new installations.

Participants will be asked to report water use data to researchers who will analyze activities learned from training to show program results. This information will be reported anonymously with findings from other participating communities, keeping personal information private.  Research findings on water and economic savings will be used to communicate program success broadly to help others learn sustainable landscape practices.

We have filled our quota for participants in this year's pilot program, but want to stay connected with those of you who are interested in receiving updates on Water Returns and other sustainable landscape resources.  We hope to build on the lessons we will learn this year and provide even better training opportunities in the future; being on our e-mail list will provide you advanced notice of such opportunities. Thanks.