
Community-Based Social Marketing : Increase Water Conservation with Limited Rebate Budgets
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 the same as doing it.
Traditional awareness efforts often…

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 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 —…

Beyond Cash: The Behavioral Science Behind Homeowners’ Water Conservation Choices
Why do many homeowners skip water conservation? Small-scale, low-commitment upgrades drive broader participation.
Executive Editor: Steve Whitesell
Expert Review: Dr Marco Palma
Even homeowners motivated by conservation are less likely…

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…

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…

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…









