Taller plants block views, impede safety, and can interfere with city maintenance. 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. Against the backdrop of a half-full Jordanelle Reservoir, Cox and Lt. Gov. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. "They loved how the project has come out. This year, Im getting quite nervous as we have had multiple months without the water we need.. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation as Lt. Gov. Lawn areas shall not exceed 50% of the total landscaped area for front and side yards.*. The Utah legislature recently passed three important water billsfocused on water conversation in the midst of a historic megadrought, includingthe first statewide turf buyback program in the country. House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, worked to establish the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Program, which creates a $40 million water trust to help the dwindling lake. People can buy it for $8.50 a bag, which will cover 1,000 square feet. Whats next for Utah in wake of leaked SCOTUS draft abortion decision? SALT LAKE CITY Most of Utahs municipal water goes outdoors about 70 percent. 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. Have a story idea or tip? deductible, Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe@sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe@sltrib.com. Other water-related action taken by Utah this year include: Cox and others stressed the need to do even more as Utah continues down this path of unprecedented drought. Statewide turf buyback program Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of our municipal and industrial water use. The this is the Utah Legislatures passage of a dozen water-related bills and ensuing endorsement by Cox that transform them into law. You save a lot of money in your water bills if you convert that lawn, so I dont know if we need to add more of a financial benefit on it, Sandall added. Utah wants to be the first and is working to expand this program statewide. Communities outside of a partner water districts service area, including unincorporated areas, should work with the division. 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. Deidre Henderson participated in a Monday ceremonial signing of the water bills, with Cox musing that he knew for sure the bills and money this year significantly outpaced anything that been done in water law and funding in at least more than a decade and probably in state history. Really to have the state government setting the example on water-wise use in our landscaping, said Rep. Robert Spendlove. This article about skijoring is sponsored by the Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. Extreme drought has highlighted the need for Utah to stretch the water supply and look for ways to improve efficiency. The Weber County Sports Complex launched an initiative to do fewer cuts at its ice rink and in doing so, anticipates saving more than a million gallons over the year. While some cities are hitting conservation targets Lehi reported its residents had dropped their year-over-year water use by 213 acre feet others are falling short. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The bill passed on the 3rd reading and will now be considered in the House. We really want to use grass in places where it makes sense. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Plants may not exceed 24 inches in height at maturity. We have a lot of grass around here that were starting to re-think and say, 'If you only use it to mow it? The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. The goalis to plant grass in areas where it's actively used The legislature allocated $5 million in incentives across the state. No, this program requires plants and drip irrigation to be installed. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. "Were lush. "But in the long run? If you have already killed or removed lawn, your application will be denied. It would be nice to see them replacing that with xeriscape," Mayor Randall said. These types of programs are typically offered at the local level. Dozens of creative bills been introduced, including ones to increase turf buyback incentives and to appropriate money to require treated water systemslike for plumbing and drinking in rural areas to implement water metering.. House Majority Leader Mike Schultz (R) introduced a bill Feb. 16 that would appoint a Great Salt Lake commissioner to coordinate state efforts and create a . Whether you're installing a new landscape or renovating an existing one, following the Localscapes five-step approach will give you a landscape that thrives! She's urging residents to think of things like covering a swimming pool when not in use to avoid evaporation, and second-homes in the area that water a lawn that the owner isn't even there for. While most efforts are focused on managing the here and now, state officials are looking to Utahs water future and how to manage skyrocketing growth by preserving a precious natural resource. Lambs ears and Coreopsis are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. He noted the water savings achieved over time would be enough to fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet. The state is facing critical long-term reliable water supply issues. The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. 12 arrested during All-Star Weekend for soliciting minors, Park City woman's car crushed by fallen ice at Kimball Junction Smith's, Prospector Square struggles with snow removal, illegal dumping, Utah's first auto restraint chairlift opens at Deer Valley Resort, 2-hour delayed start for Park City School District due to weather, FullTime Social Practitioner, SUMMIT COUNTY CLUBHOUSE, Adventure Camp Site Director- Park City, UT, YMCA of Northern Utah, Retail Sales Associate, Crosby Collection, ON CALL WAREHOUSE AND DELIVERY STAFF , Wild Events, L.A. Theatre Works Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom, Pi Day Celebration at Mathnasium of Park City, Snowy winter speeds drought recovery but Utahs not in the clear, Median snowpack water equivalent surpasses 2022s highest peak, Above-average snowpack levels are starting to make an impact in Utahs severe drought areas, Western US cities to remove decorative grass amid drought, Over 50% of Utah still in extreme drought even with above-average early-season snowpacks, Utah DNR marks the end of the water year with a new drought update. Spencer Cox announced the expansion of a statewide turf buyback program as one of four efforts to conserve water amid the megadrought. New study says worst in 1,200 years. The Jimenezes' neighbors have admired the landscaping project and expressed an interest in doing it themselves. Cities will be added as landscape ordinances are updated to meet state requirements. Increase your curb appeal, reduce water use, and get money back when you participate in the Flip Your Strip rebate program. The governor also said all secondary water systems should be metered. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall issued a drought advisory in late March, looking ahead to what was predicted to be an unprecedented drought year. Across the state there are multiple cities that have enacted various restrictions or taken other measures to cope with the effects of this drought. Lawmakers are already planning on using $280 million of federal COVID-19 relief money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to improve Utah's water infrastructure. S.B. The nation's first statewide turf buy back program in which homeowners will be compensated for the turf they rip out and replace with water-wise landscaping. With Utah being the second driest state in the nation and in the grip of a protracted drought, Cox said all new development should be accompanied by waterwise landscaping and cites should shelve ordinances that require curbside turf or other mandates. "Im trying to do my part and set the example," the mayor said in a recent interview with FOX 13. This year, though, Utah became the first in the nation to implement a statewide turf buyback program. With upward of 70% of municipal and industrial water used for outdoor landscaping, Cox said it is past time for the state and cities to aggressively embrace water-saving strategies. How do we make that fair? Sandall asked. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax I just heard a lot about the drought, grasshoppers in the middle of the country, how it is affecting farmers, and our yard honestly is not amazing. Bubblers, micro-spray emitters and soaker hoses are not allowed. ", Water conservation authority considers 'turf buyback' as St. George reviews wasteful ordinances. Through state and district partnerships, eligible participants may receive up to $3 per square foot of lawn replaced with waterwise landscaping. Last year was pretty stressful, said Brian Steed with the Department of Natural Resources. Lawn areas shall not be less than eight feet wide at its narrowest point. Utah is the fastest growing state in the nation, growing 18.4% over the past decade compared to the national average of 7.4%. ), The Best Tools for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Workplace Success. Communities are welcome and encouraged to add additional standards, based on local need. By leaving the ice in this year and not letting it melt and then freeze again, the water savings will be substantial. Central Utah Water Conservancy District announced the launch of two new water conservation incentive programs: its own Flip Your Strip & Localscapes Rewards. Removing lawn from your park strip will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand you can get cash for doing it. 1/10/2022. State Facility Water Conservation (HB121), Washington County Water Conservancy District site. 54 is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate the sales tax on food purchased in the state. at the local level - currently, states don't offersuch a program. Then theres how to pay for it. Program funding is available statewide. Review the eligibility tab to ensure that your project qualifies for a rebate. If your community does not currently qualify for rebates, contact your elected municipal representative and encourage them to adopt qualifying landscape standards. Communities within these districts service areas should work with their district to adopt qualifying landscape standards. 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. Municipal water use makes up about 15% of all water use in Utah. The way my yard looks is nowhere as important as it is for farmers to provide food for the state, Baker said. . Let it go," the mayor said. Secondary water is a water source thats not treated and non-potable. 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. Last month, Ogden officials declared a moderate water shortage and providers of secondary water from Pineview warned of a potential early shutdown. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. The following cities have adopted qualifying water-efficient landscape ordinances for new residential developments. But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. 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