In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant advancements in water conservation efforts through the conversion of nonfunctional turfgrass to more sustainable grass varieties. The focus is on the Tahoma 30 Bermuda grass, which is being implemented in various parks and recreational areas to reduce water usage by up to 60%. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to manage water resources effectively in transitional zone climates.

To date, the city has successfully converted 65 acres of turfgrass, with plans for an additional 22.3 acres in 2024, comprising 18.7 acres to native grass and 3.6 acres to Bermuda grass. Each acre of converted turfgrass is projected to save over 500,000 gallons of water annually, with Bermuda grass alone saving approximately 390,000 gallons per acre.

Key projects highlighted include conversions at Olympic Park, where 8.8 acres of nonfunctional turf will be transformed, saving an estimated 4.4 million gallons of water per year. Additionally, a side-by-side evaluation of Bermuda grass and bluegrass is planned at the soccer skills area to assess performance differences.

The meeting also addressed ongoing challenges, such as the establishment period for newly seeded areas, which can take up to three years to fully mature. Officials emphasized the importance of continued care and maintenance during this time to ensure successful growth.

Overall, the city's water conservation program is projected to save a total of 10.7 million gallons of water per year by 2024, with ongoing efforts to secure additional funding and grants to support these initiatives. The commitment to sustainable landscaping practices reflects a proactive approach to environmental stewardship and resource management.