The Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA) is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing water-saving turfgrass through rigorous scientific qualification. TWCA Qualified varieties use up to 40% less water, helping communities preserve green spaces while protecting vital resources.
Founded in 2010 by direct competitors in the turfgrass industry, TWCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to water conservation and to preserving the ecological benefits of turfgrass in managed environments. Our approach uses third‑party peer review of objective data to qualify only those turfgrasses that demonstrate statistically significant water‑saving potential over conventional varieties. By testing with research collaborators across North America, TWCA reduces confounding factors such as soil type, heat, and pest management from results.
Each qualified grass must prove its drought tolerance through years of rigorous, multi‑site trials and controlled drought testing. Results are measured with objective digital image analysis and reviewed by independent scientists. Only grass varieties that consistently meet TWCA’s high standards earn the seal—giving homeowners, landscapers, and sod farms confidence in proven water savings without sacrificing turf quality.
Breeders begin drought selection (Kenneth Hignight & Crystal Rose-Fricker)
Lightbox and Digital Image Analysis technology is introduced
Competitors informally begin the TWCA
Formal turfgrass trialing program launches
TWCA incorporates
First Rainout Shelters (ROS) built at Virginia Tech, Purdue, and Arkansas
Partner with Project EverGreen; launch ryegrass & low-maintenance trials
Recognized as Oregon Champion for Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids
Additional ROS at Arkansas; ryegrass trial concludes; tall fescue trial begins; MWELO Calculator released
Leadership in water standards; new Irrigation Calculator; Turf Analyzer launched; more ROS sites added
Kentucky bluegrass trial begins; tall fescue trial concludes; first Congressional Visit Day
Data incentives introduced; Penn State Berks ROS built; volumetric water study completed
TWCA turf earns NGBS Green Building Points; new tall fescue trials begin
Expanded advocacy & awards; statistical data program; Greenscape Alliance; Purdue earns first incentive
First turf-to-turf conversion program; national media coverage; public trialing report released
Turf Trade expands; continued advocacy & municipal partnerships
Founded in 2010 by direct competitors united by a shared vision, TWCA was built on the commitment to create an unbiased organization focused on validating turfgrasses that use significantly less water. These founding companies laid the groundwork for the rigorous scientific standards that define TWCA’s trusted water-saving qualification program today.
TWCA Awards: Each year, TWCA recognizes the brightest minds in turfgrass science and advocacy. With over $1,700 awarded annually, we’re fueling ideas that save water and protect landscapes.
The TWCA Turfgrass Water Conservation Awards recognize and support emerging researchers advancing water-efficient turfgrass science through competitive oral and poster presentations. Presented in partnership with the Crop Science Society of America, the awards include cash prizes and advocacy grants to support recipients’ participation in Congressional Visits Day.
Building projects can earn points for using TWCA‑qualified turf, aligning landscapes with regional water budgets.
Replacing conventional lawns with TWCA‑qualified turf can reduce landscape water demand by 40%.
Connects consumers to qualified water‑saving products—TWCA turf is the only grass seed recognized.
