In a year marked by historically low snowpack and limited spring precipitation, Northern Water has continued drought-conscious landscaping and maintenance practices at its Berthoud headquarters. One visible example is the seasonal shutdown of water feature in the Northern Water Interpretive Area. While a valued campus amenity, suspending its operation is a practical way to reduce nonessential water use during a dry year.
Like many properties in the region, Northern Water relies on untreated irrigation water supplied through a ditch company. With limited water supplies available, staff have focused irrigation efforts where they provide the greatest benefit. Rather than watering large areas of turf, crews are hand-watering select trees and shrubs as needed to help them survive and remain resilient during drought conditions. As a result, cool-season turf across much of the campus has remained dormant this summer. While some plants may appear dry during the hottest periods, the campus demonstrates how climate-appropriate landscapes can withstand significant environmental stress when water is used strategically.
Together, these measures are expected to reduce campus water use by approximately 12.5 acre-feet, a roughly 40 percent reduction in outdoor irrigation demand. These actions reflect the same principles Northern Water promotes throughout the region: prioritize water where it provides the greatest benefit, reduce nonessential use during drought, and adapt operations to current conditions.
