The Washington County Water Conservancy District has said it has enough water to get through this year, but plans are being made for drastic measures in the years to come. A previous version of this story incorrectly listed Rep. Val Petersons last name as Iverson. The way my yard looks is nowhere as important as it is for farmers to provide food for the state, Baker said. All rights reserved. Really to have the state government setting the example on water-wise use in our landscaping, said Rep. Robert Spendlove. 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. Download one of our easy park strip designs and start there. "As a city? The Jimenezes' neighbors have admired the landscaping project and expressed an interest in doing it themselves. Over 100 patients with brain tumors attended the same high school. ", Water conservation authority considers 'turf buyback' as St. George reviews wasteful ordinances. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Also in the midst of planning are potential new water storage projects in Utah. Stay in the loop when you subscribe for free. Call said this summer has jump-started fruitful discussions by residents on water conservation practices. As water managers warn of worst on record drought, what do people think should be done to save water? Last month, Utah Gov. During the legislative session, there was significant action to help the Great Salt Lake, which reached its historic low last year and continues to shrink. The area within the public right of way between the curb and gutter and the sidewalk, otherwise known as the park strip, shall not be landscaped with lawn. She and members of the city council have called for a review all of St. George's ordinances and policies with an eye toward water savings. Also attending are, from left, Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Lt. This bill appropriated $250 million in. Cox said. 118 Water Efficient Landscaping Incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the popular "turf buyback" program. In cases where metering is already happening, the savings have been as much as 30%. Roughly $100 million of that is already going toward implementing water meters on secondary water systems statewide. "Theres going to be people that are going to have some pain points on this," Mayor Randall said. In those areas of Utah where meters have been installed to track use of secondary water, providers have found that consumption on a per-household basis has decreased by as much as 30%, and when compared against neighbors use, people become increasingly conscious about water savings. Doing so will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand homeowners can get cash for doing it. Program funding is available statewide. During the 2022 legislative session, the Division of Water Resources received $5 million to implement a statewide grass replacement rebate program. Whats next for Utah in wake of leaked SCOTUS draft abortion decision? Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. The four measures he hopes legislators take up during the next session include: Statewide installation of secondary water meters The legislature allocated $5 million in incentives across the state. Every water district has reported significant savings compared to this time last year and in years past, Cox said, praising conservation efforts. Despite pleas from her children about running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said her response is a firm no.. Statewide turf buyback program Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of our municipaland industrial water use. Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. They tore out turf and replaced it with native plants and rocks. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to. It would be nice to see them replacing that with xeriscape," Mayor Randall said. "Were lush. The program encourages waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only where theyre actively used. We want our kids to play on it and our dogs," Hasenyager said. Water Conservation Program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site visit. 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. Spencer Cox said Thursday. TownLift is a web and mobile-based Entertainment & News media outlet providing Park City and Summit County Utah with Breaking Local News & Community Updates. "What were looking at is when you only walk on it once a week (to mow it), you really shouldnt have that grass.". Are we overreacting about the future of Twitter? Those against a new Utah state flag spoke of maintaining history, while supporters said it was time to give a fresh look to the state. Everybody thinks about grass and gardens, but there are a lot of other uses too, he said. Unpaid water bills will disqualify applicants from the Flip Your Strip program. Park strips must be currently landscaped with living, well-maintained lawn. This is generational.. Bubblers, micro-spray emitters and soaker hoses are not allowed. It is also being offered at Weber Basin Water Conservancy District because Layton City adopted via an ordinance the institution of the 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. First-of-its-kind legislation passed in . 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. SB 110 Requires a water use and preservation element to be part of a municipal or county general plan. Some towns are already out of water, such as Echo in Summit County which has been forced to truck in drinking water from Henefer. 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. You can sign up here for information on the turf buyback program, With the dramatic decline of the Great Salt Lake, Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. 1/12/2022. HB 121 also requires water conservation at state facilities. A water conservation bill currently in the Legislature would also require the state to reduce outdoor water use. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially signed key water legislation on Monday, April 18, 2022. (Isaac Hale | Special to The Tribune) Waves break on the shoreline of Utah Lake near the American Fork Boat Harbor on Thursday, June 17, 2021. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. You will be asked to provide photos of your project site and an estimated conversion area in square feet. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. You have 6 months after your application to complete your park strip project. State officials say don't start killing your lawn quite yet, though they encourage you to just do the bare minimum of recommended watering. During your consultation, you will receive watering suggestions, sprinkler system advice, and recommendations for your landscape. Its saving water," she said. Existing state facilities will need to cut outdoor water use 5% by 2023 and 25% by 2026, under H.B. Deidre Henderson, Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District General Manager Bart Forsyth, Central Utah Water Conservancy District Water Conservation Manager Ricky Maloy and others attended the announcement at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy Districts Conservation Garden in West Jordan. He noted the water savings achieved over time would be enough to fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet. Any culinary water use on lawns remains against city ordinance, and residents who abuse that rule could be subject to a fine as high as $250. 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. 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.. But the grass seed is designed to grow quickly in the . In new commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-family development common area landscapes, lawn areas shall not exceed 20% of the total landscaped area, outside of active recreation areas. 1/18/2022. Spencer Cox and Lt. $19.00 - $20.00 hourly, 4 days ago Full time Rebate amount varies by location. Once your application has been approved, you have up to one year to complete your landscaping project. I want to flush my toilet, so Im willing to do my part. While noting that turf buyback programs like Jordan Valleys Flip Your Strip are local-centric, Cox said he wants Utah to be the first state in the nation to implement its own. The idea is very preliminary, but it would offer money to help people get over the hurdle of new landscaping. If a homebuyer purchases a property that took advantage of the turf removal program, then plants a lawn where it was removed, they will be required to pay back any funds the previous homeowner. 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. 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. (Remember, killing or removing your lawn before this visit will make your park strip ineligible for a rebate). First, the property must have living and maintained grass and intend to replace it with a drought-resistant type of landscaping. For North Ogden resident Chelsea Baker, her family is taking the restrictions in stride. Alice Foote of West Jordan touches lavender as she tours the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. This rule is in place to follow local city ordinances. Last year by mid-March, Cox had declared a state of emergency for Utah, and he said it is likely that some declaration will happen again as he huddles with water providers and agency leaders. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Yes, but it is your responsibility to clear the project with your HOA. Heres the one word you cant say in a room full of Republicans, 106 wild horses have died in Colorado. To register visit. All Rights Reserved, How can people save water in drought? The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and []. These types of programs are typically offered at the local level. 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. This is a huge win for Utah. Legislative Research and General Counsel. Participate in Skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Washington County Water Conservancy District. Sign up for our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get today's top local news stories in your inbox. Turf buyback . In one month, Kari said, they had 14,000 less gallons of water used than the previous year. Will Mitt Romney seek re-election in 2024? How Orrin Hatch protected people of faith. New developments in the area have prohibited turf lawns or kept them small. 54 is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate the sales tax on food purchased in the state. Expect more information in spring 2023. Now, for the bad news. $19.20 - $22.80 hourly, 9 days ago Contractor Communities are welcome and encouraged to add additional standards, based on local need. Lawmakers are already planning on using $280 million of federal COVID-19 relief money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to improve Utahs water infrastructure. (Utah State Capitol. $16.00 hourly. "Grass is not the enemy. and establishing a statewide turf buyback program. The federal government stopped states from removing people from Medicaid during the pandemic, but that's changing now. Communities can work with either a partner water district or the division to adopt landscape standards that qualify for the statewide program. 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. 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