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Show • Sales of drip irrigation materials increased substantially. • Changes in local neighborhood landscaping practices are apparent to the casual observer. As more water efficient landscapes appear in the community, the more comfortable people feel about changes in their own yards. Lincoln, Nebraska, chose to preserve its green resources by forming public- private partnerships to encourage adoption of water conserving landscaping practices. A campaign was developed, titled " Plant Water- Wise." The green industry, homebuilders, realtors, University of Nebraska and city officials joined to increase understanding and goodwill between government and industry, as well as heighten public awareness. Austin, Texas, in 1984, initiated a Water Conservation Program that included xeriscape as the major outdoor program. A multi- level marketing approach was implemented using regulatory ordinances, public information programs and xeriscape installation rebates or water bill credits to encourage residential, commercial, institutional and industrial water customers to use water more efficiently outdoors. Tucson, Arizona, has engaged in a variety of successful landscape water conservation projects involving partnerships with other agencies and organizations to reach water conservation goals. Good results have been achieved using consensus building, rather than regulation, as a problem solving method. This partnership, titled " Low 4," provides free landscape water audits for large multi- family and commercial customers. It also trains caretakers of large turf areas to conduct their own water audits for parks, golf courses, schools and cemeteries. To promote water conservation and encourage low water use landscaping, the city of Mesa, Arizona, initiated a Water Development Fee Rebate Program in 1984. The rebate program provides an economic incentive to home owners and developers to install a water efficient landscape. In part of the program, Mesa has returned over $ 1 million dollars to 2,400 homeowners and developers. Increased use of water auditing has been instrumental in saving water and associated costs in Tampa, Florida. Implementation Utah is moving forward in promoting water- efficient landscaping practices. Despite sufficient supplies of water in many areas of the state, projections of increased demand for water have generated interest in water efficient landscapes. Utah Water Conservation Forum - This non- profit organization is comprised of concerned individuals and organizations whose long- range goal is to become more aware of the importance of managing, preserving and learning practical ways of incorporating water conservation into every part of their lives. Meeting quarterly, the forum has educational presentations about water conservation, including water- wise landscaping. The forum also serves as a clearinghouse where highly trained professionals evaluate new products, programs and concepts. Demonstration Water Conserving ( Xeriscape) Gardens - Examples are at the Department of Natural Resources Building in Salt Lake City; Red Butte Garden & Arboretum, University of Utah; along sections of interstate highways, in particular 1- 215 in Salt Lake County; South Entrance, College Center, Salt Lake Community College; new USU Extension Botanical Gardens in Kaysville to replace existing gardens in Farmington; Provo City Utilities Building; Provo Water Resources Building; Park City Park; and private homes like the Rod Rasmussen residence in Ivins/ St. George, Washington County. Research projects - Several are at Utah State University and Brigham Young University. 18 |