Rand Water, through its environmental and water conservation brand, Water Wise, is collaborating with South Africa’s 'green' industry, widening its partnerships with professional landscapers, horticulturists, nurseries, municipalities, researchers and lawn and grass producers, to promote efficient water use.

Recognised as a critical component in building water-resilient, liveable and climate-responsive urban environments, the collaboration seeks to promote water-efficient practices that balance environmental sustainability with socioeconomic developments.

Well-designed and responsibly managed lawns and green spaces form an essential part of urban ecosystems, and when established using Water Wise principles such as appropriate species selection, correct soil preparation and efficient irrigation, lawns contribute meaningfully to environmental health.

“Far from being ornamental luxuries, they serve as functional green infrastructure that supports broader urban sustainability goals,” Rand Water said in a statement on Tuesday.

The key benefits of lawns and green spaces is their role in managing stormwater runoff, the organisation highlighted, noting that healthy turf and permeable landscapes allow rainwater to infiltrate the soil, reducing surface runoff, erosion and pressure on stormwater systems.

“This natural absorption process improves water quality by filtering pollutants before they reach rivers and wetlands, while also contributing to groundwater recharge.”

Lawns and vegetation also play a significant role in cooling urban environments, with direct socioeconomic impacts such as improved public health, reduced energy demand for cooling buildings and enhanced comfort in both public and residential spaces.

“These benefits are particularly important in lower-income communities, which are often vulnerable to extreme heat. Research has shown that on sunny days, the surface temperature of lawn/turf grass is significantly lower than that of paving, bare soil, tar and even synthetic grass,” Rand Water explained.

Further, lawns and landscaped areas can promote biodiversity when integrated into diverse planting schemes.

“They provide habitat corridors for insects, birds and small organisms, supporting urban ecological networks. When combined with indigenous plants, trees and water-wise gardens, lawns contribute to resilient landscapes that balance human use with ecological integrity.”

The green industry is a vital economic contributor as it supports the creation of jobs across the value chain, including employment in plant production, landscaping, maintenance and environmental services.

By aligning industry practices with Water Wise principles, the sector can continue to generate employment while conserving scarce water resources.

“For gardeners, parks and other green spaces to make a meaningful water conservation contribution, it is essential that the watering of lawns be significantly reduced [to once in every second or third week] as winter approaches.

“Lawns should also be allowed to grow slightly taller than normal to encourage a winter thatch protection. It is very possible that lawns will survive and flourish in spring without any winter watering at all.”

The Water Wise Programme remains committed to working with the green industry to educate, innovate and advocate for sustainable urban landscapes.

“Together, we can ensure that lawns and green spaces are not only water-efficient, but also socially beneficial, economically viable and environmentally responsible – helping cities and communities grow greener, cooler and more resilient for the future generations,” Rand Water concluded.