Water-Wise Landscaping Cuts Household Water Costs

New native plant projects in West Jordan demonstrate how to lower the 65% of household water usage spent outdoors.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Landscaping

Bold vector editorial illustration of drought-tolerant desert plants in sandy soil, representing water-wise landscaping techniques. — Projects in West Jordan are demonstrating how switching to native, drought-tolerant vegetation and efficient irrigation systems can significantly reduce household water bills. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you replace your home's lawn with native, water-wise plants to reduce water usage?

Volunteers at the Terraîne residential development in West Jordan recently planted native vegetation designed to thrive in the local climate. The project highlights efficient water-saving techniques for residents looking to lower their utility bills.

Why it matters

Outdoor watering accounts for 65% of a typical household's annual water consumption, making landscaping choices a primary factor in overall home water costs. This initiative demonstrates how using native plants and drip irrigation can help reduce that usage.

Outdoor watering currently represents 65% of total residential water consumption annually. The project utilizes an underground drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste compared to traditional spray systems.

The players

Terraîne

A new residential community in West Jordan that incorporates water-wise landscaping design.

The details

The Terraîne development uses native plant species that are naturally adapted to the Utah climate, requiring less supplemental water than non-native alternatives. By implementing underground drip irrigation, the system ensures moisture reaches the roots directly rather than evaporating into the air or running off the surface. This mechanical approach reduces the need for frequent manual watering while supporting local pollinator populations.

Volunteers planted native vegetation at the Terraîne development on October 24, 2026.
Applications for the Utah native plant grant program open on March 1, 2027.

The Home Front

This project aligns with broader regional shifts toward water-wise landscaping in response to high outdoor utility costs. It highlights the growing trend of integrating underground drip irrigation as a standard feature in new residential developments to combat high consumption rates.

Homeowners should evaluate their own yard's irrigation efficiency and consider transitioning to native plants to lower annual water costs. You can research local incentive programs for water-wise landscaping to offset costs for future yard projects.

The takeaway

Reducing outdoor water use remains one of the most effective ways to lower your household utility expenses. You can monitor the SlowTheFlow.org website to identify specific rebates and grant opportunities available for your property.