Really to have the state government setting the example on water-wise use in our landscaping, said Rep. Robert Spendlove. Most water providers have moved to a twice-a-week-only irrigation regimen and some are shutting down the season early, such as Davis and Weber Counties Canal Co., which will cease providing water in September. Call said this summer has jump-started fruitful discussions by residents on water conservation practices. The state of Utah has begun signing people up ahead of its launch of a "turf buyback" program, offering incentives for residents to get rid of grass they don't really use. Is there a connection? This assessment has been folded into the, Many residential connections use secondary water for outside irrigation. The this is the Utah Legislatures passage of a dozen water-related bills and ensuing endorsement by Cox that transform them into law. It's something Kari said she encourages. The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. This gave us an opportunity to think outside the box, so that is what we did., Residents can learn more about rebates and water wise landscaping at UtahWaterSavers.com, Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. ", Water conservation authority considers 'turf buyback' as St. George reviews wasteful ordinances. Asking people to conserve is not a bad idea in terms of our water usage, said Brian Steed, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources. Then theres how to pay for it. Wilson Jimenez said he doesn't miss mowing it. In one month, Kari said, they had 14,000 less gallons of water used than the previous year. Your park strip needs to have living lawn to be eligible. Riverdale in Weber County recently reported its aquifer had dropped 17 feet since May 1 and water conservation goals fell way short of what authorities had hoped. Officials and advocates spoke in favor of the bill. These plans are adaptable to any size park strip. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. Cox hails generational effort in Utahs water law history, What happened after a governor asked his state to pray for rain, Anatomy of a drought: How the West may change for decades to come, How bad is the Western drought? and establishing a statewide turf buyback program. Cox emphasized, too, that land use planning needs to be integrated with water use planning, but more often than not, that coordination does not take place at the level it should. Lawn areas shall not be less than eight feet wide at its narrowest point. Flip Your Strip involves removing lawn from your park strip and replacing it with water-efficient plants and a drip irrigation system. Theyve learned they can have that same look by using water-friendly landscaping," said Zachary Renstrom, the general manager of the water conservancy district. Raising Our Political IQ. Metering secondary water systems, working with farmers and ranchers, and starting a statewide turf buyback program are all steps Utah needs to take to be more waterwise. Additional program rules will also require adoption of the following ordinance for a city to remain eligible for incentives: With the exception of Washington County, the statewide landscape rebate program will be facilitated through utahwatersavers.com. "These programs are typically offered at the local level, we're not aware of any state that offers such a program. Ferry, R-Brigham City and a farmer himself, cobbled together a complicated compromise bill that allows farmers and other holders of water rights to lease those rights to the Utah Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands, which has oversight of the lake bed. You read that right, Why theres not much room for optimism with Utah water supplies, Saving the otherworldly place of Utahs declining inland sea, The Deseret News is on a journey to help the Great Salt Lake. The legislature allocated $5 million in incentives across the state. I have been really impressed driving around the city to see how many lawns are following the restrictions.. These types of programs have traditionally been offered at the local level. The nations first statewide turf buy back program in which homeowners will be compensated for the turf they rip out and replace with water-wise landscaping. We want our kids to play on it and our dogs," Hasenyager said. The bill passed on the 3rd reading and will now be considered in the House. Consider that 99% of Utah is in severe drought and 28 of Utahs largest 45 reservoirs are below 55% of available capacity. Lambs ears and Coreopsis are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Rebate checks will be made payable to the property owner. We have a lot of grass around here that were starting to re-think and say, 'If you only use it to mow it? Roughly $100 million of that. The passage of this legislation makes it the first ever statewide program of its kind. Some ideas include metering secondary water systems, which the Legislature is already planning to do, improved technology for farmers and ranchers so they can use water more wisely, and mandating more water-wise landscaping for new developments. $19.20 - $22.80 hourly, 9 days ago Contractor Bubblers, micro-spray emitters and soaker hoses are not allowed. Utah's water agencies are in the process of developing a comprehensive state water plan that builds on the previous version developed by the Division of Water Resources. Over 100 patients with brain tumors attended the same high school. Utah governor wants to buy back your lawn, Utah lawmakers took good first step on environment worries, Baby, its dry outside: How the drought is affecting Utah. The Washington County Water Conservancy District told FOX 13 it is considering a "turf buyback" program to incentivize people to move toward drought-friendly landscaping. And can he win? Humans have put the future of hippos at risk, Wests megadrought delivers another blow: Saving Glen Canyon Dam. Cash rewards and plan reviews will be given for landscaping projects that meet program . With the dramatic decline of the Great Salt Lake and repeated pleas from state leaders to conserve water in the ongoing mega-drought, people have remarked at the high cost of replacing landscaping with drought-friendly turf. "It just cant be a dirt patch.". Theres not much more the state can do about the drought in the short term. at the local level - currently, states don't offersuch a program. Very low water levels at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County are pictured after Gov. A water conservation bill currently in the Legislature would also require the state to reduce outdoor water use. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. The city said new landscaping, especially lawns, require a lot of water to germinate, and it would be best to wait to plant it in a cooler time of the year. This article is published through the Great Salt Lake Collaborative, a solutions journalism initiative that partners news, education and media organizations to help inform people about the plight of the Great Salt Lakeand what can be done to make a difference before it is too late. Communities outside of a partner water districts service area, including unincorporated areas, should work with the division. . Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation during the current drought at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. "Instead of having a lot of grass, maybe only have 10% of your lawn be grass? At minimum, the following water-efficient landscape standards for new residential construction will be required: *Lawn limitations do not apply to residential lots with less than 250 square feet of landscaped area. About 70% of Utahs municipal water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass. "When a lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained. The programs are available to all eight counties within the districts coverage area and being funded at a half million dollars. The bill establishes that participation is voluntary and not a governmental code or policy requirement. This drought has caused all of us to reevaluate how we conserve and motivated us to do more, Gov. For us, we just didnt need it and for those who dont need the water, it gives a little more for those who need to take a little more.. Lawn areas shall not exceed 50% of the total landscaped area for front and side yards.*. In cases where metering is already happening, the savings have been as much as 30%. But the bill also requires the state to take steps to conserve water. Mayor Randall said other policies being looked at include ordinances that required a certain percentage of landscaping be turf or prohibiting certain water-hogging trees in developments. 118 Water Efficient Landscaping Incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the popular "turf buyback" program. Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. Some towns are already out of water, such as Echo in Summit County which has been forced to truck in drinking water from Henefer. In addition to programs like "turf buyback," the Legislature is working with our state's farmers and ranchers to better conserve and utilize water for agriculture. It. As Pineview supplies start to falter, North Ogden passed an ordinance relaxing some rules around use of culinary, or treated water, on shrubs, trees, flowers or for livestock. Deidre Henderson, South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey and Central Utah Water Conservation District manager Rick Maloy participate in a press conference at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District in West Jordan on Thursday. Before removing any turf, the following actions need to take place: i. During your consultation, you will receive watering suggestions, sprinkler system advice, and recommendations for your landscape. City Manager Jon Call said normally the use of any culinary water outside is strictly prohibited, but a shortened irrigation season is requiring flexibility to be built into the system. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation as Lt. Gov. Program funding is available statewide. Landscape Consultations. Guest opinion: Even in a world of stubborn never-Trumpers, Evan McMullin is still wrong for Utah, These principles and institutions should be a measuring stick for lawmakers and voters, 2023 Legislative Priorities with Derek Miller, Bidens signature on marriage act is vindication of the Utah compromise. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Statewide turf buyback program Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of our municipaland industrial water use. And were not alone, How metering could help conserve water as drought continues to plague Utah, The worth of water and what conservation strategies are working, Brown lawns, flushing less: How Utahns plan to save water. Try Skijoring in Bear Lake, Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk, Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest, 5 Game Day Snacks for the Whole Family (with recipes! HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide rebate program. Stay in the loop when you subscribe for free. The city's famed golf courses have made changes with an eye toward water savings. In terms of individual water use, one measure by a Utah County lawmaker will create a great opportunity for water saving measures. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially signed key water legislation on Monday, April 18, 2022. What about people who have already xeriscaped their lawns and wont get money from the state. Free Localscapes Rewards programs classes are offered at a variety of locations throughout the state. Trees will not be considered in density calculations. TownLift is a web and mobile-based Entertainment & News media outlet providing Park City and Summit County Utah with Breaking Local News & Community Updates. This is a huge step forward, a huge lift, and one of the most important pieces of legislation we were able to accomplish this year.. Expect more information in spring 2023. No, this program is intended for single-family residences only. Eight streams are flowing at record low conditions, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources. Submit completion photos of your project online. To install SLC Turf Trade, you will have to kill your existing lawn. All rights reserved. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. 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