Most drough resilient states

Which States Are The Most Drought Resilient?

A new report by Healthy Green Spaces Coalition estimated each U.S. state’s drought resilience. The data shows how vulnerable states are to droughts based on their residential and total water usage (including agricultural). The ranking is…
CBSM banner

Community-Based Social Marketing: Increase Water Conservation with Limited Rebate Budgets

Executive Editor: Steve Whitesell Author: Kevin Rowe You’ve rolled out rebates, mailed conservation tips, and launched outreach campaigns—but residents still overwater lawns or ignore leaks. Why? Because knowing what to do isn’t…
Landscape transformation study

What Motivates People to Change Their Irrigation Behaviors to Reduce Water Waste?

Editorial Director: Steve Whitesell Author: Kevin Rowe Americans are rethinking their yards. Faced with droughts, high water bills, and shifting social norms, many are trading turf for climate-smart landscapes that use less water and maintenance.…
34 Behavior Tactics Checklist

34 Behavioral Tactics Utilities Can Use to Increase Residential Water Conservation

Executive Director: Steve Whitesell Author: Kevin Rowe  This is a behavioral playbook — a practical, research-based guide to help water conservation managers design rebate programs that people actually use. Instead of focusing only…

Data Show Two-Thirds of Turf Rebate Savings Come from Irrigation Updates

Executive Editor: Steve Whitesell Expert Reviewer: Dr. Kelly Kopp Across the Western U.S., utilities are spending millions paying homeowners to replace lawns with xeriscapes and adapted plant materials. The visual impact is striking —…
Low rebate participation
,

Why Homeowners Skip Water Rebates: The Hidden Psychology Behind Low Participation

Executive Editor: Steve Whitesell Expert Review: Dr Marco Palma Even homeowners motivated by conservation are less likely to join rebate programs that demand large upfront investments and deliver delayed or uncertain savings. Behavioral…
Norm Nudges for water conservation programs

How Norm Nudges Drive Long-Term Water Conservation

Executive Editor: Steve Whitesell Author:  Kevin Rowe Comparing neighbors may be the most powerful drought-fighting tool you’ve never used. A norm nudge is a behavioral science technique that encourages behavioral change by showing…
Dr Marco Viral Water Conservation

How to Increase Viral Adoption of Water Conservation Rebates

Editorial Director: Steve Whitesell Expert Reviewer: Dr Marco Palma The most cost-effective way to expand irrigation savings isn’t by raising rebate amounts. It’s by designing programs that neighbors can see, copy, and celebrate. Water…
Dr Charlie Hall Tariff's impact on water conservation banner

How Tariffs are Reshaping Water Conservation Adoption

Executive Editor: Steve Whitesell Expert Reviewer: Dr Charlie Hall Economic uncertainty is redefining who adopts water conservation upgrades. The Big Picture Economic uncertainty is redefining who adopts water conservation upgrades. Affluent…
irrigation waste report banner image

Irrigation Waste Report: 30-60% of Water Wasted from Poor Maintenance

Editorial Director: Steve Whitesell Expert Author: Dr. Kelly Kopp You don’t need new tech or turf removal to save water—just fix what’s already there. Studies show that 30–60% of irrigation water is wasted due to leaks, misaligned…