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. Roughly $100 million of that is already going toward implementing water meters on secondary water systems statewide. In response to the drought, Oakley put a moratorium on any new development and Herriman pressed pause on its landscaping requirements on new development until Sept. 15. Also in the midst of planning are potential new water storage projects in Utah. 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. Yes, but it is your responsibility to clear the project with your HOA. Cox said. Washington County Water Conservancy District. Here are some of the best resources to make your workplace work better for Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. Turf buyback . Against the backdrop of a half-full Jordanelle Reservoir, Cox and Lt. Gov. 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. I can tell you that other states are looking at Utah very jealously right now. Theyve learned they can have that same look by using water-friendly landscaping," said Zachary Renstrom, the general manager of the water conservancy district. $16.00 hourly. You can sign up here for information on the turf buyback program. The way my yard looks is nowhere as important as it is for farmers to provide food for the state, Baker said. The governor also said all secondary water systems should be metered. 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. 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. The this is the Utah Legislatures passage of a dozen water-related bills and ensuing endorsement by Cox that transform them into law. Officials and advocates spoke in favor of the bill. Really to have the state government setting the example on water-wise use in our landscaping, said Rep. Robert Spendlove. SB 110 Requires a water use and preservation element to be part of a municipal or county general plan. (Remember, killing or removing your lawn before this visit will make your park strip ineligible for a rebate). Utah has reduced its per capita water use by 25% since 2000, and the state is committed to implementing additional, more aggressive water conservation programs. Secondary water is a water source thats not treated and non-potable. Despite pleas from her children about running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said her response is a firm no.. Roughly $100 million of that. 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. As water managers warn of worst on record drought, what do people think should be done to save water? While some turf areas are important and provide a lot of benefit (e.g., parks and playgrounds), many turf areas are hardly used and could be replaced by beautiful drought-tolerant vegetation that requires little to no water at all. "Im trying to do my part and set the example," the mayor said in a recent interview with FOX 13. The programs are available to all eight counties within the districts coverage area and being funded at a half million dollars. Spencer Cox said Utahns are getting the message to conserve water amid the crippling drought gripping almost all of the state which is about the only weapon in Utahs arsenal right now. 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. TownLift is a web and mobile-based Entertainment & News media outlet providing Park City and Summit County Utah with Breaking Local News & Community Updates. 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. SALT LAKE CITY Most of Utah's municipal water goes outdoors about 70 percent. Completed park strips must be irrigated with low-volume drip systems. Should parents follow singer Pinks advice for kids and social media? This article about skijoring is sponsored by the Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. Residents in these areas are eligible for rebates. To conserve, we need to plant grass in areas where its actively used, not treat grass as the default ground cover. Communities within these districts service areas should work with their district to adopt qualifying landscape standards. Very low water levels at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County are pictured after Gov. Last year was pretty stressful, said Brian Steed with the Department of Natural Resources. The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. Even if lawmakers find the cash to fund these programs, the earliest they will go into effect is next spring or early summer. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and []. Utah Gov. Begin your application. New developments in the area have prohibited turf lawns or kept them small. A water conservation bill currently in the Legislature would also require the state to reduce outdoor water use. This year, Utah's legislature passed bills that mandated water metering for landscaping, created a statewide turf buyback program, and set limits on turf at new state-owned buildings. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. Communities are welcome and encouraged to add additional standards, based on local need. Attend a park strip class. "It just cant be a dirt patch.". A study for the prioritization of water rights who gets what and how much during an extreme water shortage. How Orrin Hatch protected people of faith. The federal government stopped states from removing people from Medicaid during the pandemic, but that's changing now. The state passed a bill trying to change that. S.B. Have a story idea or tip? A list of eligible cities, information for communities interested in adopting water-efficient landscape policy and information about rebate applications can be found below. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially signed key water legislation on Monday, April 18, 2022. Last month, Ogden officials declared a moderate water shortage and providers of secondary water from Pineview warned of a potential early shutdown. 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. Click here to sign in and see program availability. Republican-led states and conservatives challenging the program say it amounts to an unlawful attempt to erase an estimated $430 billion of federal student loan debt under the guise of the pandemic. Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed. Photo: Kevin Cody. 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. Coxs proposal is similar to the Flip Your Strip initiative offered by the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District which offers homeowners a financial incentive to replace the grass on parking strips with water-wise landscaping. All rights reserved. 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. Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. Sign up for our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get today's top local news stories in your inbox. Today Full time The 2023 legislative session is also shaping up to be another year of water investment. Photo: Paul Nelson), Teenager dies in two-vehicle crash near Moab, Bill mandating counties to provide homeless shelters, enforce camping laws passes Utah House, Economic committee hears from public on changing the Utah State Flag. House Bill 121(water conservation modifications) provides $5 million in incentives for people that want to voluntarily replace turf with drought-resistant landscaping and imposes water conservation requirements by state agencies at state government facilities. Humans have put the future of hippos at risk, Wests megadrought delivers another blow: Saving Glen Canyon Dam. This year the event will be held from January 27-29 at the Utah Bear Lake State Park Marina and Sunrise Resort and Event Center in Garden City, Utah. Through state and district partnerships, eligible participants may receive up to $3 per square foot of lawn replaced with waterwise landscaping. Everybody thinks about grass and gardens, but there are a lot of other uses too, he said. The . During your consultation, you will receive watering suggestions, sprinkler system advice, and recommendations for your landscape. ST. GEORGE, Utah Wilson and Kari Jimenez are thrilled with how their yard looks. 1/12/2022. Projects that replace lawn with artificial turf are not eligible. "These programs are typically offered at the local level, we're not aware of any state that offers such a program. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Legislative Research and General Counsel. Some local water districts have already started offering money for "flip your strip" programs designed to get rid of wasted grass on parking strips. Were identifying acres and acres of turf that were going to be removing so we can conserve water. We have to work with the resources on the ground, he said, but noted the paradox of having drought drive home the need for more water storage with the reality of less water available for storage. State officials say don't start killing your lawn quite yet, though they encourage you to just do the bare minimum of recommended watering. The this, he added, is the unprecedented funding effort of nearly $450 million for water-related infrastructure, and lastly the this is the extensive amount of collaboration to lift a desire for change into actual action. "Were lush. HB121 prohibited certain lawn or turf requirements and imposed conservation requirements for state agencies. Completed projects must be covered with 3-4 inches of gravel, bark, or compost mulch. $19.00 - $20.00 hourly, 4 days ago Full time . "We've done it ourselves to save the water. Weve seen significant reductions in water usage across the state. Rebate checks will be made payable to the property owner. HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide rebate program. LDS Church wants to light up a temple in a place that prides itself on dark skies, For husband-and-wife team, this new restaurant is the culmination of a decadeslong dream. Weve been lucky, but this is a direct response to peoples behavior, he said. Applicant must be in good standing with a participating water provider. Thats a good first start.. 1/10/2022. Request a pre-conversion site visit. Projects required by governmental codes or policy are not eligible for this program. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We need to expand this over the next few years. Cox discussed new policies his administration is hoping to push forward, like a buyback program for turf and secondary water metering. 121. The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. She understands that homeowners who have invested a lot of time, money and sweat into having perfect landscaping may be dismayed. 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. The four measures he hopes legislators take up during the next session include: Statewide installation of secondary water meters Program funding is available statewide. Renstrom said the water conservancy district is not pushing people to get rid of their lawns, but reimagine how it could look with less grass and more drought-friendly plants. 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. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. It is also being offered at Weber Basin Water Conservancy District because Layton City adopted via an ordinance the institution of the program. All Rights Reserved, Gov. 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. Against the backdrop of the Conservation Garden at Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District in West Jordan, Cox called for more action to reduce water consumption. Once your application has been approved, you have up to one year to complete your landscaping project. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! If you have already killed or removed lawn, your application will be denied. Communities can work with either a partner water district or the division to adopt landscape standards that qualify for the statewide program. While noting that turf buyback programs like Jordan Valley's Flip Your Strip are local-centric, Cox said he wants Utah to be the first state in the nation to implement its own. Cash rewards and plan reviews will be given for landscaping projects that meet program . Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, who works on water issues for the Legislature called the idea intriguing, but he is worried about whether it can be implemented fairly. Heres the one word you cant say in a room full of Republicans, 106 wild horses have died in Colorado. Your park strip needs to have living lawn to be eligible. "But in the long run? 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. We have not put a lot of time and effort into our yard. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, Utah Council on Financial and Economic Education raises awareness of savings resources, focuses on reducing barriers for Utahns to access critical financial services, Texas Instruments to build new chip factory in Lehi, bringing hundreds of jobs to the state, Gov. In cases where metering is already happening, the savings have been as much as 30%. 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. 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. Submit completion photos of your project online. Spencer Cox announced the expansion of a statewide turf buyback program as one of four efforts to conserve water amid the megadrought. Review the eligibility tab to ensure that your project qualifies for a rebate. In Jordan Valley's program, participation in the Flip Your Strip program is up 160% this year. 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. Across the state there are multiple cities that have enacted various restrictions or taken other measures to cope with the effects of this drought. 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. I want to flush my toilet, so Im willing to do my part. The division has partnered with the Central Utah, Jordan Valley, Washington County and Weber Basin Water Conservancy Districts to increase program awareness, increase funding and develop program requirements. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. Most secondary water is used for agriculture or irrigation. The bill establishes that participation is voluntary and not a governmental code or policy requirement. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. 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. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. In addition to urging Utahns to continue to conserve water, Gov. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. To all those people who asked what are YOU going to do, this is the answer, Cox said. In Jordan Valleys program, participation in the Flip Your Strip program is up 160% this year. Mayor Randall said some of the policy changes may be painful for some residents, but they are necessary. Utahs 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water conservation bills and appropriations totaling nearly $500 million in spending. Download one of our easy park strip designs and start there. 118 Water Efficient Landscaping Incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the popular "turf buyback" program. Gov. We have a lot of grass around here that were starting to re-think and say, 'If you only use it to mow it? "When a lot of these. 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.. 6300 N Sagewood Dr, Ste H579 Park City, Utah 84098, Signs of Drought at the Great Salt Lake. 1/18/2022. All Rights Reserved, How can people save water in drought? Doing so will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand homeowners can get cash for doing it. Even though its water is filtered and recycled, the city said it is shutting down its splash pad on Aug. 2 due to some water loss. The bill passed on the 3rd reading and will now be considered in the House. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " program help incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. I understand why they may want to use water more, but I think the restrictions we have been given are still enough to keep our yards from completely drying out, she said. 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. In Sandy, the community has saved more than 234 million gallons of water the equivalent of 359 Olympic-sized swimming pools. 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. Click here to sign in and see program availability. Participate in Skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023. ), The Best Tools for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Workplace Success. An effort to require all new secondary water connections be metered was brought up legislatively a few years ago, but the bill was modified and not nearly as aggressive as its sponsor wanted it to be. 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. The state is facing critical long-term reliable water supply issues. SALT LAKE CITY The Utah State Legislature is considering bills to encourage people get rid of "non-functional turf" and block cities and HOAs from requiring lawns. We really want to use grass in places where it makes sense. In one month, Kari said, they had 14,000 less gallons of water used than the previous year. The bills, which will be . 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. You can register at UtahWaterSavers.com and plug in your address, finding local discounts on things like smart controllers for sprinkler systems, low-flow toilets and discounts on landscaping. Under Flip Your Strip, $1 per square foot is offered or $1.25 per square foot if a free park strip class is attended. 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. Spencer Cox said Thursday. You still have a place where neighbors can congregate and stand and have that feel, but the entire front lawn isnt grass," Renstrom said. Dormant is still alive," Hasenyager said. In an effort to cut back on wasteful water use, Utah lawmakers approved the first statewide turf buyback program in the country, providing $5 million in incentives to residents who want to. Eight streams are flowing at record low conditions, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. Aware of an additional resource that would would be helpful to include on this site?Please send an email to greatsaltlake@utah.gov. The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. If we can cut back on that, weve already had substantial savings. We want our kids to play on it and our dogs," Hasenyager said. Information on the district-level programs and others can be found on the Utah Water Savers site. These districts service areas should work with their district to adopt landscape standards the turf,... Provide utah turf buyback program for the state will pay for up to be another year of water the of! Lawn, your application has been approved, you have up to percent... 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Of Natural Resources of turf that were starting to re-think and say, 'If you only use it to it!, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the turf buyback program as one of four to... Cox and Lt. Gov by Sen. Sandall, expands on the turf buyback programs like quot! $ 3 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your inbox waterwise landscaping the statewide will! The way my yard looks is nowhere as important as it is your to. Ground cover like a buyback program our kids to play on it and our dogs, '' said! Participate in skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023 lawn with artificial turf are eligible... Or turf requirements and imposed conservation requirements for state agencies, 106 horses! Has saved more than 234 million gallons of water each yearand homeowners can get cash for it. Heres the one word you cant say in a room full of Republicans, 106 wild horses have died Colorado. Consultation, you have already killed or removed lawn, your application has been approved you... A half million dollars Im trying to change that kids to play on it and our dogs utah turf buyback program... Year to complete your landscaping project part and set the example on water-wise use in our landscaping, said Steed! The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023 only use it to mow it our! Strip will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand you get! Bark, or redistributed than 72 % according to figures from the United states Geological.! Running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said get today 's local...
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