See water-smart landscaping in action across Utah. Our demonstration sites show what's possible: beautiful, low-maintenance, and built for the climate we actually live in.
Showing what water-wise landscapes actually look like in Utah
One of the biggest gaps in water conservation isn’t awareness—it’s visibility.
Most Utahns have never seen a water-wise yard that feels like something they would actually want in their own home. Without real-world examples, it’s hard to picture what’s possible. Utah Water Ways is addressing that gap by taking a “show, don’t tell” approach, designing and implementing demonstration landscapes in real communities that people can see, visit, and learn from.
We pair these projects with practical guidance, including short video tutorials that walk residents through key steps in a landscape transition—helping them understand what’s involved before they begin. Just as important, we are clear about where homeowners can confidently take a do-it-yourself approach, and where bringing in a professional will lead to better long-term results.
What It Does
Our demonstration projects are designed to make water-wise landscaping tangible and achievable:
- Replaces turf-heavy areas with attractive, functional, water-efficient landscapes
- Showcases designs that reflect Utah’s climate, soils, and community preferences
- Provides step-by-step video guidance on installation elements like irrigation, planting, and soil preparation
- Helps residents understand what they can do themselves and when to hire a professional
- Creates visible, local examples that neighbors can learn from and replicate
Why It Matters
For many homeowners, the barrier isn’t willingness—it’s uncertainty:
- What does a water-wise yard actually look like in my neighborhood?
- Will it still be usable, livable, and attractive?
- How complicated is the process to get there?
By showing real projects in real places, and pairing them with clear, practical guidance, we remove that uncertainty and make change feel possible.
Impact
- Reduces outdoor water use where it matters most—at the landscape level
- Provides replicable models within neighborhoods and communities
- Builds confidence by showing both the process and the end result
- Shifts expectations around what “good” landscaping looks like in Utah
How it Connects
These projects are part of a broader, coordinated approach to conservation. Demonstration landscapes reinforce messaging from Slow the Flow, provide real-world case studies for research and data efforts, and help inform local policies and incentive programs by showing what works in practice. Each project is designed not just as a one-time installation, but as a replicable model that can scale across neighborhoods, cities, and regions.
