Groundwater Sustainability Initiative

Water-Conscious Landscapes

How do we create water-conscious landscapes?

A well-manicured landscape is pleasing to the eye and adds curb appeal to any home or place of business. But traditional turf grass lawns consume a significant amount of water.

More than 8 billion gallons of water are used for lawn and landscaping irrigation in the United States each year, and Ottawa County's yards are no exception. With increased pressure on local groundwater resources, traditional landscape cultivation and irrigation habits must change.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to reducing our outdoor water use. With help from our Groundwater Sustainability Initiative partners, landscaping experts and public support, we are taking a multi-pronged approach. We are currently developing or considering solutions such as promoting and adopting water-conscious landscaping wherever possible; encouraging smart irrigation best practices; and developing trainings and rebate programs with industry leaders.

By changing our habits and the way we think about our lawns, we can help ensure our limited water resources continue to be available to all who live and work in Ottawa County.

Current Projects and Projects in the Works

Turf Removal and Native Landscaping

Recommended Landscape Alternatives

There are many turf-alternative, low maintenance options that the County is working to promote such as hardscaping, xeriscaping, native landscaping, etc. Many of these options require little watering and little to no mowing or supplemental fertilization. With the right planning and guidance, these alternative landscapes can be just as beautiful and practical as a turf lawn, if not more!

The County is working with its partners to examine options that have been implemented in other parts of the world and develop a locally adapted best-practices guide.

For more information on native plants and landscaping, visit our Conservation Resources page.

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County Facilities Re-Landscaping Pilot

DSI is moving to lead by example with a plan to transform turf grass at several County facilities into a series of attractive, low maintenance, water-conscious landscapes. Throughout the project, the sites will be open to the public for the opportunity to learn more about the process of turf-removal and the installation and maintenance of various types of landscape alternative options. Additionally, the project will reduce groundwater consumption and save time and money spent on landscape maintenance.

For Future Development: Re-Landscaping Rebate Program

Converting even a portion of a grass lawn to a native landscape saves water and provides other benefits. But up-front costs can be a barrier. To encourage water-conscious landscape adoption, the County is seeking to work with local nonprofits, the Conservation District, and others to help seek funding for and to implement rebates for residents and businesses looking to transition their landscapes from turf lawns to native and other water-conscious options. A Countywide rebate program could help to overcome cost barriers for those wishing to adopt more sustainable practices.

For Future Development: Water-Conscious Landscape Contests

The County and its partners are currently assessing the viability of hosting an annual Water Conscious/Native Landscaping competition countywide to further encourage adoption and raise awareness concerning water scarcity issues.

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Irrigation Professional Training

Efficient irrigation, installation, and management techniques will help reduce water consumption in areas where turf grass lawns may remain. In partnership with Spring Brook Supply and the Ottawa Area Conservation District, the County is developing a Water Conservation Practices training and certification program for landscape and irrigation professionals in the region.

More information will be added to this page as these programs develop.