Significant Water Savings: Digging into the Data
In order to evaluate the impact of the Garden In A Box waterwise program, Resource Central conducted an analysis of water conservation using a peer-reviewed methodology. They examined water usage records from participants in Boulder, Denver, Lafayette, Longmont, and Westminster from 2017 to 2022 to gauge the effectiveness of the Garden In A Box program, which has been running for 20 years.
The analysis involved assessing changes in outdoor water usage and the rate of water application, adjusted for weather, to conclude that Garden In A Box participants save water.
Annual Water Savings*
- Participants who planted in 2018 saved an average of 5,000 gallons per year.
- For an average homeowner who uses about 50,000 gallons during the summer, that’s a 10% savings!
- Participants who purchased multiple gardens in 2018 saved more water on average in 2022 than those who purchased one garden.
*Factors Affecting Savings: 2020 was extremely hot and dry, affecting water use. This study didn’t account for variables like turf removal, property changes, household size changes, or weather reactions.
Water Usage per Square Foot
- Participants used around 8 gallons per square foot per year, compared to 19 gallons for cool-season turf grass—more than 50% water savings per square foot annually!
- Garden In A Box participants use an average of 8 gallons per square foot, which is lower than the 12-gallon benchmark for water-efficient yards—setting a high standard for efficient waterwise landscaping!
The data above are detailed in the 2024 Garden In A Box Impact Analysis which clearly shows that Garden In A Box is making a significant impact on water conservation. By transforming traditional landscapes into waterwise gardens, Coloradans are leading the way in efficient water usage.
Join us next time as we explore the additional community benefits of the transformative Garden In A Box program.
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