Behaviors, attitudes, and technologies influencing urban landscape water conservation in the Texas High Plains

Management of water resources is complicated and often contentious. As it is one of the few truly irreplaceable commodities in the marketplace, debates surrounding proper management of water supply, distribution, pricing, and conservation are continuous. The primary objective of this research was to understand attitudes and practices related to outdoor residential water conservation in the Texas High Plains. Research investigated conservation management techniques through a survey instrument, which may be valuable to educators and policy makers. Additionally, a field study evaluated consumer-based products marketed to homeowners to reduce water requirements in bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) lawns. The goal of the research was not only to identify tools for the reduction of water use, but to comprehend how perceived landscape value influenced water use behaviors in outdoor residential landscapes.

Survey results found a strong perception of landscape value and importance among respondents. This perceived landscape importance (PLI) was significantly influenced by household income, but not by gender, age, or level of education. In addition to greater household income, high PLI was associated with more sophisticated irrigation systems, greater irrigation frequency and duration, and higher summer water expenditures. Data also suggest that PLI strongly influenced decision making in terms of water use and tended to increase irrigation to the landscape during periods of drought. While most respondents were generally amendable to following municipal water restrictions and suggestions made through conservation communications, those who were likely to be non-compliant indicated the high value of landscape materials as the primary reason. The field study demonstrated water retention products may increase bermudagrass quality and green cover under severe drought conditions, but rainfall or heavy irrigation immediately after initial product application enhanced these attributes. Additionally, these products may provide overall physiological improvements to plant fitness, as evidenced by lower turfgrass canopy temperatures in treated plots versus control or ambient air temperature.

This research demonstrated current urban water use and landscape management practices in the Texas High Plains, respondent attitudes concerning pricing, regulations, and communication related to water conservation, and the efficacy of water retention technologies marketed to the urban landscape manager. In addition, these data will serve as the basis for future research into the actual adoption of water conservation practices, the effects of pricing structures and incentives on home water use, and the influence of more efficient irrigation technologies on compliance with municipal water restrictions.