New research challenges conventional thinking about lawns, landscapes, and what real water conservation looks like.
When conversations turn to water conservation, the solution often sounds simple: Remove the grass, replace it with rock, and use less water.
But what if the reality is more complicated?
In the latest episode of The Impact Series, host Mike Collignon sits down with Kelly Kopp, professor of plants, soils, and climate at Utah State University, to discuss the hidden tradeoffs of landscape decisions and why some well-intentioned water conservation strategies may not deliver the results people expect.
Kopp argues that too much of the conversation focuses on appearances rather than outcomes.
"Do you actually want to save water, or do you just want to say you're trying to save water?" she asks.
The discussion explores everything from smart irrigation technologies that can cut outdoor water use dramatically to the unintended consequences of replacing vegetation with rock and hardscape. Kopp also examines the role landscapes play in cooling cities, managing stormwater, sequestering carbon, and supporting quality of life in increasingly hot and water-stressed regions.
As communities across the West grapple with drought, population growth, data center development, and uncertainty surrounding the Colorado River, the conversation raises a bigger question: How do we reduce water use without sacrificing the benefits that green spaces provide?
It's a thoughtful, occasionally provocative discussion that challenges assumptions and offers a more nuanced perspective on one of the most important resource issues facing the housing industry today.
Cati O’Keefe is the editorial director of Green Builder Media. She has 25 years of experience reporting and writing on all aspects of residential housing, building and energy codes, green building, and sustainability.
Saving Water Vs. Looking Like You're Saving Water
New research challenges conventional thinking about lawns, landscapes, and what real water conservation looks like.
When conversations turn to water conservation, the solution often sounds simple: Remove the grass, replace it with rock, and use less water.
But what if the reality is more complicated?
In the latest episode of The Impact Series, host Mike Collignon sits down with Kelly Kopp, professor of plants, soils, and climate at Utah State University, to discuss the hidden tradeoffs of landscape decisions and why some well-intentioned water conservation strategies may not deliver the results people expect.
Kopp argues that too much of the conversation focuses on appearances rather than outcomes.
"Do you actually want to save water, or do you just want to say you're trying to save water?" she asks.
The discussion explores everything from smart irrigation technologies that can cut outdoor water use dramatically to the unintended consequences of replacing vegetation with rock and hardscape. Kopp also examines the role landscapes play in cooling cities, managing stormwater, sequestering carbon, and supporting quality of life in increasingly hot and water-stressed regions.
As communities across the West grapple with drought, population growth, data center development, and uncertainty surrounding the Colorado River, the conversation raises a bigger question: How do we reduce water use without sacrificing the benefits that green spaces provide?
It's a thoughtful, occasionally provocative discussion that challenges assumptions and offers a more nuanced perspective on one of the most important resource issues facing the housing industry today.
Watch the full Impact Series interview with Kelly Kopp to hear why smarter water management may matter more than simply removing turf—and what homeowners, builders, and policymakers should be thinking about next.
By Cati O'Keefe
Cati O’Keefe is the editorial director of Green Builder Media. She has 25 years of experience reporting and writing on all aspects of residential housing, building and energy codes, green building, and sustainability.Also Read