Water defines life in Colorado: from the headwaters that begin high in the Rockies to the rivers that sustain farms, cities, wildlife, recreation and downstream states. Nearly 40 million people across the West rely on water that originates here. And yet, we live in a semi-arid climate where water is variable and increasingly stretched thin.
Colorado faces a new water reality:
- Growing population increases demand on limited supplies.
- Climate variability and drought reduce snowpack and stream flows.
- Outdoor irrigation accounts for a significant portion of residential water use.
- Aging infrastructure and rising costs pressure utilities and ratepayers.
Unlike other resources, we can’t manufacture more water; we can only manage it wisely. That’s why water conservation in Colorado isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Water conservation isn’t about restriction — it’s about smart, efficient use. It’s about aligning our daily behaviors with Colorado’s reality as a high-altitude, drought-prone state where every drop is priceless. That’s where Live Like You Love It (LLYLI) comes in.
What is Live Like You Love It® (LLYLI)?
Live Like You Love It® is a statewide water education and outreach campaign (developed by Colorado WaterWise) that focuses on communicating the value of Colorado water and encouraging residents to use it wisely.
The campaign began in 2013 following the 2012 ‘Year of Water’ and ongoing drought conditions. It was designed to connect emotionally with Coloradans by reinforcing something simple but powerful: we care deeply about our rivers, snowpack, landscapes and communities — and our daily water use should reflect that. It focuses on lifestyle choices and everyday behaviors that sustain Colorado’s water future.
The LLYLI campaign is built around three core principles:
- Conserve – Use water efficiently and reduce waste
- Care – Protect water quality and natural resources
- Commit– Make long-term decisions that support sustainable water management
Since its inception, more than $200,000 has been invested in developing LLYLI Toolkit materials and providing cost-effective resources for Colorado WaterWise member organizations. Each year, Colorado WaterWise invests more money to develop new materials for the Toolkit, to keep up with current needs of members. It’s an investment Colorado WaterWise has made on behalf of its members and water-related organizations throughout the state.
Who is the LLYLI Toolkit for?
The Colorado Water Plan calls for increased public education around water conservation and long-term water sustainability. But for many water utilities and organizations, building a high-quality education campaign from scratch simply isn’t realistic. Developing professional messaging, creative assets and outreach materials requires time, expertise and a healthy budget — all of which are often limited.
The LLYLI Toolkit exists to give Colorado utilities and water-related organizations access to ready-to-use, professionally developed water education materials that can be co-branded and shared locally. These turnkey materials are especially helpful for small to mid-size utilities that lack the resources to create their own custom materials. Using the LLYLI Toolkit enables their organizations to deliver consistent, high-quality conservation messaging — without reinventing the wheel.
The LLYLI Toolkit includes co-brandable materials that can be used across multiple communication channels. Resources include:
- Campaign messaging and written content (for websites or newsletters)
- Social media content
- Fact sheets and handouts
- Water bill inserts
- Digital and print-ready ads
- Customizable templates and outreach tools
- Website and video assets
- Logos, brand assets, and graphics
Some of our most popular new materials include the Drought Communications Toolkit, DIY Lawn Conversion Guide, HOA toolkit, and kids activity placemat. The materials are designed to be flexible, allowing members to tailor messaging to local audiences while maintaining consistent statewide message.
Who Can Access the LLYLI Toolkit?
Access to the LLYLI Toolkit is available to all current Colorado WaterWise Utility and Non-Utility members. This includes:
- Colorado water utilities (water districts, municipal water departments, etc.)
- Water-related nonprofits
- Private companies supporting the drinking water industry (engineering and consulting firms, related partners, etc.)
The LLYLI Toolkit was built specifically to support organizations working in water — those who are directly responsible for delivering, managing, protecting or supporting Colorado’s water resources.
How Much Does It Cost to Join Colorado WaterWise?
Membership dues vary based on the type and size of the organization, including levels designed for small to large utilities, industry partners and students. Dues start at just $350 for Individual Members and $650 for Utility and Non-Utility Members.
All members at the $650 level and above have access to the full LLYLI Toolkit with over 100 professionally developed outreach materials for a fraction of what it would cost to build a campaign independently. For many utilities, even a single custom-designed outreach piece could exceed the cost of annual membership — without providing the long-term flexibility and statewide alignment that LLYLI offers.
For current membership levels or to join now, please visit the LLYLI Join page.
