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ALCC Drought Survey - AUGUST 2026

ALCC 2026 Drought & Water Management Survey

Colorado's landscape industry continues to face significant challenges related to drought, reduced water supplies, warmer temperatures, and changing expectations for outdoor water use.

ALCC is gathering input from landscape professionals to better understand what contractors are experiencing in the field, how current and potential water restrictions could affect businesses and customers, and what tools and approaches may help the industry and Colorado's water providers work together more effectively.

Your feedback will help guide ALCC's discussions with water providers, municipalities, policymakers, and industry partners as we prepare not only for current drought conditions, but for the possibility of continued water supply challenges in 2027 and beyond.
Current Drought Impacts
1.How significantly are current drought conditions and water restrictions affecting your business?
2.What impacts are you currently seeing among your clients or properties? (Select all that apply.)
3.What are the greatest drought-related challenges currently facing your company? (Select all that apply.)
Potential Drought Management Strategies
4.How would restrictions or a ban on permits for new or replacement cool-season turf in non-recreational areas affect your business and your clients?
5.How would a mandatory October 1 end to the landscape irrigation season affect your business and your clients?
Assume irrigation for turf ends October 1. (Specific provisions for trees, shrubs, perennials, hand watering, or winterization may vary by utility.)
6.How would a mandatory October 15 end date for turf irrigation affect your business, clients, and landscape health? How would your business adapt?
Would you support:
7.For cool-season turf in non-recreational/non-essential areas, which drought-management strategies do you believe would be most effective? (Select all that apply.)
8.During severe drought conditions, where do you believe water providers should place the greatest emphasis? (Select up to three.)
Landscape and Business Adaptation
9.Are drought conditions changing the types of landscape projects your customers are requesting?
10.Are you seeing increased customer interest in converting existing landscapes to lower-water or more water-efficient landscapes?
11.What are the biggest barriers preventing customers from transitioning to more water-efficient landscapes? (Select all that apply.)
12.How likely is your company to recommend or install native or lower-water grass species, such as blue grama or buffalograss, as alternatives to traditional cool-season turf?
Water Provider Programs and Collaboration
13.How familiar are you with incentive programs offered by your local water provider or municipality that support landscape transitions, such as grants, rebates, irrigation audits, turf replacement programs, or other conservation incentives?
14.How effective is communication from your local water provider regarding drought restrictions and changes that affect landscape contractors?
15.Can you share examples of effective ways water providers and landscape contractors have worked together during drought or water shortages?
What has worked particularly well? What could be improved?
Preparing for Longer-Term Change
16.Colorado may be facing longer-term challenges from reduced water yields, Colorado River pressures, warmer temperatures, and more frequent drought conditions. If these conditions represent more of a "new normal" rather than a temporary drought, how should Colorado's landscape industry adapt?
Please consider changes or opportunities involving:
17.Beyond water shortages, are warmer temperatures and extreme heat creating additional plant stress or irrigation demands in the landscapes you manage?
ALCC and Industry Support
18.What resources would be most helpful for your company as Colorado responds to drought and longer-term water challenges? (Select all that apply.)
19.Would you be interested in participating in an ALCC Fall Drought Forum bringing together landscape contractors, water providers, ALCC leadership, and other industry partners to discuss drought, water conservation, and the future of Colorado landscapes?
20.Additional Comments
Please share any additional comments, concerns, or suggestions regarding drought and long-term water management or ways ALCC and Colorado's water providers can better support landscape professionals and their customers.
We especially welcome ideas for practical approaches that can reduce water demand while maintaining healthy, functional, and sustainable Colorado landscapes.