New West Bench Community’s Landscaping Uses 76% less water than other new developments
WEST JORDAN, UT – The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District awarded Terraine as the first Localscapes™ water-efficient community in Northern Utah. Located in the scenic foothills of the Oquirrh Mountains, the 600-acre residential community exemplifies a shift in residential landscaping that prioritizes sustainability, biodiversity, and community resilience. Terraine and its five home builders are replacing the outdated “lawn-first” template with purposefully designed green spaces, native plant palettes, and practical lawn areas reserved for gathering, play and recreation.
With the increasing challenges posed by hotter, drier conditions and the critical status of the Great Salt Lake, Terraine demonstrates a new approach to landscaping that blends the needs of residents with the preservation of the Great Basin Sagebrush ecosystem. This new west bench community prioritizes native and drought-resistant plants that thrive on minimal water, require low maintenance and ensure that each yard offers aesthetic beauty year-round.
The result is a landscaping approach that preserves 163 acres of natural open space and saves an estimated 265 million gallons of water a year over the typical development model in Utah. That’s 76% less water than used in a traditional residential development.
“Terraine is a standout example of what sustainable landscaping can achieve on a larger scale,” said Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District Conservation Garden Park Manager Shaun Moser. “This project not only conserves valuable water resources but also promotes a thriving ecosystem that benefits our local pollinators, wildlife and community.”
According to Moser, Terraine’s landscaping philosophy is vital as communities continue to grow and add pressure to the state’s water resources. By managing landscapes as dynamic ecosystems rather than static ornamental displays, Terraine promotes resilience against climate change and cultivates a sense of stewardship within its community.
The Localscapes™ approach to landscaping utilizes patterns and practices that consider Utah’s unique climate while maintaining a visually appealing design. All landscaping at Terraine is required to follow a strict set of design standards that prioritize native climate-adapted plants – like Rabbitbrush, Penstemon, and Apache Plume – that thrive with minimal water and management.
“Addressing growth and ecological responsibility are not mutually exclusive concepts,” said Terraine’s developer Ty McCutcheon. “By embracing water-wise, native plants, we can pave the way for sustainable living in our neighborhoods while still meeting Salt Lake County’s growing housing needs.”
About Terraine
Terraine is a new 630-acred residential community located in Salt Lake County’s West Bench, It features five homebuilders – Tri Pointe Homes, Rainey Homes, Sego Homes, David Weekley Homes and Ivory Homes – and includes single-family, and townhomes (duplex, triplex, and quadplex) with prices ranging from the high $300’s to $1M plus. At completion, the community will include approximately 2,800 homes with 1/3 of the land preserved as walking trails and open space.
About Localscapes™
Localscapes™ is a state-wide initiative created by Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. It was developed by a team of horticulturists, landscape designers, maintenance pros, irrigation experts and members of the water industry. The goal was to create a landscaping approach that takes all the complex and confusing science behind landscape design and simplify it to create landscapes that thrive in Utah.
