How Much Water Can Xeriscaping Actually Save?

Less Grass, Less Guilt, Lower Bill

Xeriscaping is about more than ditching the lawn — it’s a full design philosophy built around smart water use. In places like Boulder County, where restrictions are common and summers are dry, switching to a well-designed xeriscape can dramatically cut your water bill without sacrificing beauty. But how much can you actually save? Let’s break it down.

1. How Much Water Does a Traditional Lawn Use?

The average 1,000 sq ft lawn in Colorado uses 15,000–25,000 gallons of water per year.
In peak summer months, you may use 2,000+ gallons per week.
Much of this is lost to runoff or evaporation, especially in clay soil or windy areas.

2. Xeriscape Water Use by Comparison

A professionally designed xeriscape uses:

• 50–75% less water than a traditional lawn
  
  

• Even less if native plants are fully established and irrigation is adjusted or removed
  
  

• Many yards only need occasional drip watering or rainfall after year one
  
  

Water savings = lower bills + higher drought resilience.

3. Real World Savings – What Homeowners See

Clients who replace large turf areas often report:

• $300–$800 annual savings on water bills
  
  

• Eliminated or downsized sprinkler zones
  
  

• Fewer repairs (broken heads, leaks, etc.)
  
  

• No need for lawn fertilization or heavy maintenance
  
  

Some rebates are even available for removing sod — depending on your town or utility provider.

4. What Makes Xeriscape Efficient?

Smart Plant Selection:

• Native and drought-adapted plants with low water demand
  
  

• Grouped by zone (sun, shade, moisture)
  
  

Efficient Irrigation:

• Drip lines target roots, not air
  
  

• Fewer leaks, lower pressure
  
  

• Easy to control and automate
  
  

Mulch + Ground Covers:

• Keep roots cool
  
  

• Reduce evaporation
  
  

• Block weeds = less competition for water
  
  

No Lawn or Limited Lawn:

• Replacing high-use zones with rock, mulch, or synthetic turf
  
  

• Or switching to low-water native grass blends
  
  

5. Bonus: Time Is Money Too

Xeriscaping reduces:

• Mowing and trimming
  
  

• Fertilizer and pesticide use
  
  

• Seasonal overseeding or aeration
  
  

• Emergency watering during heat waves
  
  

That’s hours reclaimed — plus lower long-term costs for tools and maintenance.

Related Services:

[Xeriscaping & Native Plant Design]

[Mulch, Rock & Edging Installation]

[Full Yard Renovations]

Want to Slash Your Water Bill and Still Have a Beautiful Yard?

We’ll design a xeriscape that saves water, looks great, and fits the climate — without sacrificing curb appeal.

[Request a Quote]

[Call (720) 306-9123]