CMU is saving 800,000 gallons of water
As western Colorado continues to experience hot, dry summer conditions, Colorado Mesa University is doing its part to conserve one of the region's most valuable resources — water. In alignment with the City of Grand Junction's water conservation protocols, CMU has reduced campus watering by 20% while implementing new landscaping practices designed to keep campus healthy, vibrant and sustainable.
At the start of the summer, campus leadership and the facilities team identified turf locations on campus that are underutilized by the campus community. While still maintaining grass spaces on campus used for recreation and gathering, the turf locations identified were replaced with decomposed granite, native shrubbery and trees, as well as bubblers instead of traditional sprinkler systems.
By swapping a traditional sprinkler system with bubblers in these areas, water can be applied directly onto the root system to allow for better absorption, versus a traditional sprinkler system, which is susceptible to increased evaporation or misapplication of water to areas that don’t need it, like sidewalks or walls.
This effort reflects the university's ongoing commitment to responsible resource management and environmental sustainability practices and will result in CMU saving approximately 800,000 gallons of water this year.
Currently, 16 locations have been identified and converted already, with plans to identify more locations on campus that will enhance this initiative’s reach and impact. In total, 17,220 square feet of grass, just under one acre, has been replaced with new water-efficient landscaping.
Beyond water usage reductions, additional strategies focused on improving the health and endurance of turf on campus start from the roots up.
CMU Facilities has adopted strategic approaches including:
- Reduced watering of landscape spaces on campus by 20%
- Aerating grass areas on campus monthly instead of twice per year
- Applying a moisture retainer product every 30 days
- Mowing at a higher length to reduce evaporation
- Applying growth regulator to stimulate root growth every 30 days
- Fertilizing with organics to feed the soil
- Fertilizing turf more often
- Weekly sprinkler audits
- Overseeding
These new practices have been introduced this year to help turf retain moisture, develop stronger root systems and withstand the summer heat.
While reducing the amount of water used on grassy areas, CMU has placed an even greater emphasis on preserving the health of its trees and native plants. Trees play a critical role in keeping campus cool by providing shade for their surrounding landscape. CMU’s recognition as a Tree Campus USA for its commitment to maintaining a diverse and healthy tree canopy has been an important factor in water conservation efforts.
In addition to protecting its trees, CMU prioritizes drought-resistant native plants that support the campus ecosystem by attracting essential pollinators. The university's thoughtful landscaping practices have also earned it a Bee Campus USA designation.
These efforts compound CMU’s ability to conserve water year after year. As the Grand Valley and Colorado experience reduced snowpack and drier summers, these efforts will allow CMU to maintain its beautiful green spaces that enhance community building and recreation while also being a good community partner in water conservation.