TRIBUTARY AWARDS
Each July, the committee recognizes organizations and community leaders that have made water conservation efforts that have lead to successful water savings. These organizations are recognized as Western Slope Water Conservation Leaders and their small efforts are contributing to a bigger cause - water conservation.
Know an organization that has recently made efforts to conserve water, either indoors, outdoors or both? Let us know so we can recognize them in 2025!
2024
COLORAMO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
The Orchard Mesa Coloramo branch features a waterwise landscape installed in 2012. The landscape, maintained by local experts Maple Leaf Landscapes, incorporates low-water plants that create a beautiful landscape that is also appropriate for the regional environment. The waterwise landscape at the Orchard Mesa branch conserves over 100,000 gallons of water annually, representing an 80% reduction compared to traditional high-water landscapes. The bank's winter water usage remains below 600 gallons per month, while summer usage peaks at 3,600 gallons for both indoor and outdoor needs.
CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION & CDOT
The project recognized is the intersection of Spruce, Grand, and Highway 50/I-70B, First and Grand Park. It underwent a transformative landscaping project initiated by CDOT in 2021. Designed to replace non-functional turf with water-efficient features, the project included the removal of Kentucky bluegrass and its replacement with rock beds, low-water plants, and a native seed mix that now offers a picturesque meadow-like environment. In May and June 2023, the park utilized 117,918 gallons of water during its establishment phase. By 2024, water usage for the same period decreased dramatically to 50,271 gallons, representing a water savings of 67,647 gallons.
2018
2019
DISCOUNT TIRES
Discount Tires is an example a large commercial organization tailoring landscapes to meet the local environment. Both Grand Junction locations of the Discount Tire stores are an example of how appealing xeriscape and native plants can look if implemented correctly. The trees and plants were also strategically placed so that plants with the same watering needs were included in the same zones for efficient watering and to reduce the chances of overwatering.
SPRIGS AND SPROUTS
The Mediterranean-themed lavender and vegetable farm practices water efficiency by utilizing a closed looped aquaponics system that provides water to an underground greenhouse.
DOS HOMBRES
In 2014, Dos Hombres participated in a commercial audit through DRIP and implemented water-conservation practices for over 10 years! Customers are only served water upon request to avoid waste, and the restaurant is also working closely with Clifton Water District using E-Coder technology to isolate and identify specific usage for each piece of equipment in their kitchen.
GRAND VALLEY POWER
In 2011, Grand Valley Power made a commitment to become a cost-saving "smart" organization by designing their current office. Not only is GVP taking strides to conserve water, but they are also implementing practices that save energy, water, resources, generates less waste, and supports human health, which qualifies them for the Silver LEED Certification. During the 2018 drought, GVP reduced their water usage by 50% under Voluntary Water Restrictions.
GRAND JUNCTION REGIONAL AIRPORT
In 2008 after redesigning the grounds at the airport, a Rainbird automated irrigation system was installed to ensure accuracy and regulate water usage. In 2014, a change in staff brought new and different ideas to reduce water consumption and maintenance, which included implementing Xeriscape on the east side of the airport.
CSU TRI RIVER AREA EXTENSION
The Tri River Extension is comprised of four counties; Delta, Mesa, Montrose, and Ouray and encompasses three major rivers; Uncompahgre, Gunnison, and the Colorado. There are 160,000 acres of irrigated land in the Tri River area. CSU Extension helps individuals in these areas determine the issues, concerns, and needs that are unique to Mesa County. They focus on agriculture, horticulture, range, forestry, and water.