Water is a valuable resource that we often take for granted. Here in the Town of Frederick, we are living at the edge of what was once called the Great American Desert. Slightly more than half of all the water we use is not for drinking, cooking, or bathing, but instead, it is used outside of our houses for our yards and recreation. This is why we must be conscious of our outdoor water usage and take measures to conserve this precious resource. The Town has long-range plans to preserve and conserve our water resources now and in the future. Looking to update your landscaping? Check out the Frederick’s Landscaping Resources webpage!
2026 Water Conservation Programs
We’re excited to partner with Resource Central to help our community save water and reduce monthly water bills in 2026. Through this partnership, we’ll offer three proven, water-saving programs designed for Colorado’s semi-arid climate: Garden In A Box, Income-Qualified Garden In A Box, and Slow the Flow.
We encourage residents to join the 2026 Interest List to receive early updates, sneak peeks at new garden designs, program reminders, and monthly tips on waterwise landscaping.
Slow The Flow Interest List
Garden In A Box Interest List
Our Commitment to Water Conservation
In 2022, Frederick adopted our first Water Efficiency Plan, outlining the Town's efforts to prioritize water conservation to ensure our water supply. Get familiar with Town water conservation programs and the Water Efficiency Plan below.
Water Saving Programs
The Town will continue to offer Frederick water customers the Irrigation Controller, Appliance, and Lawn Replacement Rebates, as well as Resource Central's Garden In A Box and Slow the Flow programs.
New Landscape Code
On September 10, 2024 the Town of Frederick Board of Trustees adopted a new landscape ordinance, Land Use Code Section 2.14. This ordinance became effective on November 16, 2024. The majority of this ordinance applies to new development and does not require existing properties come into compliance with new standards; however, it does create some flexibility in what existing property owners can do with their landscaping. The old landscape ordinance required residential property to have 50% turfgrass in front yards. The new ordinance does not have a turfgrass requirement for front yards. This allows residents to remove turfgrass and install lower water demand landscaping in front yards. It is important to note that the new code requires 50% groundcover with plants in front yards, meaning it does not allow front yards to be completely covered in rock or wood mulch with no plants.
Water-Efficient Landscape Grants for HOAs
Northern Water's Collaborative Water-Efficient Landscape Grant Program is open through December to new or redeveloping landscapes at public or private facilities, including HOA-managed landscapes, that promote water efficiency!
State Bills Supporting Water Conservation
State of Colorado House Bill 19-1050, passed in 2019, states that unit owners’ associations may not prohibit the use of xeriscape, non-vegetative turf grass, or drought-tolerant landscapes. This bill also states that an association may adopt and enforce design or aesthetic guidelines or rules that apply to such landscapes. State of Colorado Senate Bill 23-178, passed in 2023, goes into more detail about an association’s guidelines or rules. This bill states that an association’s guidelines or rules must:
- Not prohibit the use of non-vegetative turf grass in the backyard of a unit owner's property.
- Not unreasonably require the use of hardscape on more than 20% of the landscaping area of a unit owner's property.
- Allow a unit owner an option that consists of at least 80% drought-tolerant plantings.
- Not prohibit vegetable gardens in the front, back, or side yard of a unit owner's property.
- Each association shall select at least three preplanned water-wise garden designs that are pre-approved for installation in front yard within their community
If you have any questions, call 720.382.5612 or email Kylie Couch, Civil Engineer.