Along with considering a water-conservation plan, Rifle City Council members recently also heard basic Xeriscape principles for western Colorado landscapes and gardens that would also help to conserve water. The presentation was made by Dr. Curtis E. Smith, a horticulture agent for Colorado State University’s Extension Office. Smith explained that the term “Xeriscape” (pronounced “zer-i-scape”) was coined by the Denver Water Board in 1981. It means “dry” and “scape” and promotes the conservation of water through creative landscaping. “Runoff in five of the seven Colorado River basin states is projected to decline by more than 15 percent during the 21st century,” Smith reported. “By 2050, Colorado River flow would decline by 18 percent largely due to … projected (global) warming.” He also said that proper irrigation, which is the best water-use component to attack in a conservation effort, can lead to a 30 to 80 percent water savings around home grounds.

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