Water Challenges in Colorado and the Western States
Growing Concerns for Water Conservation
Here at the Farm, our staff and farmer are increasingly concerned about water scarcity. Colorado and other western states are not only experiencing drought conditions but are also facing the possibility of long-term aridification. Climate change, population growth, and rising competition for water resources all contribute to this challenge. Protecting water for future generations begins with conservation, and it is our collective responsibility to take action.
Drought and Its Impact on Farming
Weather data is readily available and highlights that drought remains a primary concern, especially considering the elevated fire danger in Colorado. For farmers, irrigation water is essential for every step of their operations. Reduced water availability can significantly disrupt farming activities. Drought represents a temporary shift in climate patterns, but its effects are felt across the agricultural sector.
Understanding Aridification
Aridification refers to the gradual, long-term transition of a region from a wetter climate to a drier one, marked by persistent dry conditions rather than short-term shortages. Unlike drought, which is temporary, aridification is more permanent. Observations from the past forty years in Mesa County and across Colorado suggest that the region is moving toward a more arid climate, with decreased snowfall, reduced rainfall, higher temperatures, and increased dryness.
Effects of Climate Change on Water Resources
Climate change—often described as anthropogenic warming—is causing noticeable shifts in Colorado’s environment. These changes include reduced snowpack, earlier runoff, lower river flows, and increased evaporation rates. As a result, water demand is rising and the risk of prolonged mega-droughts is greater. The southwestern United States is especially vulnerable, and the current trend toward aridification represents a permanent structural change in water availability.
Water Conservation Practices on our Farm
Being mindful of water use is essential for sustainable farming, especially in our climate. Many of our practices can translate to your practices in a garden setting. Our scale may be a bit larger, but the foundation is the same. Here are some of the steps we take to use water efficiently at the farm:
Precise Watering Methods
To ensure water reaches exactly where it is needed, we utilize drip irrigation, drip tape, micro-watering emitters, and sprinklers for all our crops. This system is applied in our small gardens, lavender fields, fruit trees, flowers, and herbs.
Soil Moisture Retention
We mulch our plants and furrows with spent lavender stems, distilled lavender plant material and straw. This natural mulch helps hold moisture in the soil, reducing how often we need to water. Another way to maintain soil retention is to ensure healthy levels of organic matter, incorporate decomposed grasses, mulch, plant material, and compost into the soil. On the farm we do this by using cover crops that we allow to break down, add compost and work in old mulches that were on the surface to be incorporated into the soil. Living soil with sufficient organic matter improves both structure and moisture retention.
Drought-Tolerant Plantings
In areas that are not mulched, we grow drought-tolerant grasses, clover, and yarrow. These plants require less water and help maintain ground cover, at the same time improve soil health.
Strategic Watering Timing
To minimize water loss from evaporation, we water in the evenings and early mornings. We also water underneath mulched beds to keep moisture close to plant roots.
Resilient Plant Selection
Our farm features perennial drought-tolerant herbs and shrubs, which thrive with less water and continue to grow year after year.
Monitoring and Adjusting Water Use
We closely monitor moisture levels before watering. Instead of watering on a set schedule, we check soil moisture below the surface using a shovel, hand trowel, or moisture meter—even for grasses. This practice encourages plants to develop deep root systems. Often times with established plants, like lavender and other woody or semi woody perennials the call for water can be two to four weeks apart, especially for those who have heavier soil like clay or clay loam.
Replacing Grasses with Perennials
Whenever we can, replacing traditional lawn grasses for perennial plants, like lavender, it can help conserve water. I have a whole chapter in my book Lavender For All Seasons explaining the process.