great salt lake average water comparision

How Far Below Normal Is the Great Salt Lake’s Water Level Today?

A new analysis by Healthy Green Spaces Coalition measured how far the Great Salt Lake has fallen from its long-term historical baseline. The data shows a persistent gap between the lake's pre-2000 average and its modern reality that cannot be…
why drip irrigation fails hero image
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Why Drip Irrigation Fails Many Homeowners

Contributors: Steve Whitesell, Debby Dunn, Darin Ayres, Drip irrigation promises precision water delivery and significant savings. It waters plant root zones directly, minimizes evaporation, and reduces runoff. In theory, it's the most efficient…
paper river colorado river divide of lower and upper basin water supply
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How Big Is the Gap Between Colorado River Promises and Actual Flow?

By Steve Whitesell The Law of the River promised more Colorado River water on paper than the river has ever consistently delivered. Over a century of flow records now shows that the river’s long‑term supply has consistently lagged behind…
behavior design case study with smile face
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Case Study: Belén Found a Cheaper Way to Save Water – With Smiley Stickers

Author: Kevin Poirier Rowe Rate hikes and awareness campaigns made little difference. But being compared to the neighbors – with a smiley or a frowny face on water bills – cut water use by 5%.  Belén had a water problem that was already…
the warm rain paradox
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Why a Wet Winter Can Still Leave the West at Risk of Drought?

Contributors: Steve Whitesell, Jon Meyer, Ph.D How can we get rain in the winter and still be at risk of a drought?  This is a paradox of sorts. A warm rain paradox.  A warm snow drought occurs when near-normal precipitation falls,…
Most Drought 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…

Irrigation Waste Report: 30-60% TEST POST

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…
CBSM campaign and water efficiency

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

This article is a collaborative effort by Steve Whitesell and Kevin Poirier Rowe. You’ve rolled out rebates, mailed conservation tips, and launched outreach campaigns—but residents still overwater lawns or ignore leaks. Why? Because…
Motivation and water waste for irrigation behaviors

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

Executive Editor: 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.…
checklist for behavior change tactics

34 Behavioral Tactics Utilities Can Use to Increase Residential Water Conservation

Executive Editor: 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 on…