Water-Saving Landscaping
Explore tips from the University of Minnesota Extension on conserving water while maintaining your lawn.
In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it’s easy to forget that drinking water is a finite resource. As the City of Hugo takes steps to conserve our local groundwater resources, residents can also make a difference through a variety of at-home conservation strategies.
Explore tips from the University of Minnesota Extension on conserving water while maintaining your lawn.
Have an area of your lawn that you don’t use? Consider converting it to native landscaping to benefit pollinators while improving water quality and conserving drinking water. These projects may be eligible for reimbursement or cost-sharing grants—see details below. Additionally, all Washington County residents are eligible for a free site visit from Washington Conservation District. Conservation District staff can provide a consultation for projects like rain gardens, native gardens and prairie restorations.
Minnesota residents are eligible to apply for Lawns to Legumes reimbursement-based funding of up to $400 to install pollinator-friendly native plantings in their yards. These gardens provide habitat for at-risk pollinators like the monarch butterfly and rusty patched bumble bee, while also benefitting local water resources and lowering gardeners’ utility bills. Once established, native plants can thrive on rainwater alone. Their deep root systems can increase the soil’s ability to store water, reducing runoff. Learn more and apply for a grant.
Mini-Grants: Individuals, HOAs, and other organizations in Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) are eligible for funding for projects that contribute to the improvement and protection of the watershed’s water resources. Reimbursement of up to $500 is available for projects such as native plant gardens, turf alternatives, downspout gardens, rain barrels, and water education efforts.
Water Quality Grants: Individuals and organizations in RCWD are eligible for funding for projects that implement best management practices to address water quality challenges within the watershed. These grants may fund 25-50% of total project costs up to a maximum of $7,500 depending on benefits to water resources. If a project is highly beneficial to water resources RCWD may fund 75% of eligible materials and contracted labor up to a maximum of $7,500. Examples of eligible projects include rain gardens, agricultural water quality practices, previous pavers, and restoration of shoreline, prairie, and wetlands.
Most Hugo addresses are in RCWD—check your address here.
We live in a watery world, with the average American lifestyle fueled by nearly 2,000 gallons of H2O a day.
What may come as a surprise is that very little of that—only five percent—runs through toilets, taps, and garden hoses at home. Nearly 95 percent of your water footprint is hidden in the food you eat, energy you use, products you buy, and services you rely on.
Learn more about your water footprint here.