Water Efficient Landscaping at Utah State University: Evaluating the "True" Value of the Landscape Resiliency and Drought Plan

Utah faces serious water challenges due to its dry climate, growing population, and inefficient water use. While most water conservation efforts focus on homes, businesses, and farms, state institutions like universities also play a role. As Utah’s land-grant university, Utah State University (USU) uses about 260 million gallons of water each year to irrigate its 180 acres of green space, with 92% of that water being used to irrigate grass landscapes. To promote sustainability and meet state water conservation policies, USU developed the Landscape Resiliency and Drought Plan (LR&DP) to create more drought-resistant landscapes. However, implementing water-saving strategies at state institutions can be challenging due to obstacles like outdated irrigation systems, lack of funding, and institutional resistance to change. This research evaluates the potential impact of the LR&DP on water savings, financial costs, and environmental benefits at USU. The findings from studying three campus locations suggest that implementing water-efficient landscapes could reduce outdoor water use by 72%. Currently, USU spends about $30,500 per year on irrigation. However, under severe drought conditions, USU’s irrigation costs were based on scarcity water prices; the costs could rise dramatically, up to $230,000 per year, without improvements. Adopting the LR&DP could significantly lower these costs while also providing environmental benefits—such as improved water quality and biodiversity—which in turn enhance the aesthetic and educational value of USU’s Logan campus. This study highlights the important role that universities can play in addressing water conservation challenges. By demonstrating the value of investing in sustainable landscapes, USU has the potential to serve as a model for other institutions across the state. These findings support ongoing efforts to create more resilient, water-efficient campuses that contribute to Utah’s longterm sustainability.