The governor announced four focus areas the state will fast-track to further advance water conservation and water planning: Lt. Gov. Drip emitters and spray heads must be on separate zones. What is skijoring? 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. To install SLC Turf Trade, you will have to kill your existing lawn. Spencer Cox and Lt. Donate to the newsroom now. Secondary water is a water source thats not treated and non-potable. No, this program is intended for single-family residences only. Mayor Randall said some of the policy changes may be painful for some residents, but they are necessary. Gov. Applicant must be in good standing with a participating water provider. So many Utahns are doing their part to save water, which is fantastic, but theres much more we can do.. 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. "When a lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained. Enter your email to be notified when new rebates and programs are offered in your area. Some local water districts have already started offering money for "flip your strip" programs designed to get rid of wasted grass on parking strips. 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. The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. (Utah State Capitol. Is there a connection? Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. We have a couple of fires burning right now, but theyre 90% under control. 118 Water Efficient Landscaping Incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the popular "turf buyback" program. These types of programs are typically offered at the local level. The state passed a bill trying to change that. You will be asked to provide photos of your project site and an estimated conversion area in square feet. If you have already killed or removed lawn, your application will be denied. 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? It would be nice to see them replacing that with xeriscape," Mayor Randall said. During your consultation, you will receive watering suggestions, sprinkler system advice, and recommendations for your landscape. "Were lush. All rights reserved. Today Full time BLM says its because of a killer cocktail of factors. January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer, the tests that can warn women about potential cancer, and the importance of vaccination. 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. 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. In one month, Kari said, they had 14,000 less gallons of water used than the previous year. Last year was pretty stressful, said Brian Steed with the Department of Natural Resources. 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. This is a huge win for Utah. Water-saving strategies are showing some success in unique ways. 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 state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. I want to have a nice drink of water. 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. 1/10/2022. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! "We've done it ourselves to save the water. "Youve got a lot of churches with lots and lots of lush, grass that nobody even steps on. 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. Really to have the state government setting the example on water-wise use in our landscaping, said Rep. Robert Spendlove. Concrete areas do not qualify for a square foot rebate, but pavers, bricks, stone, and other permeable materials are permitted. Utah Gov. Review the eligibility tab to ensure that your project qualifies for a rebate. The idea is very preliminary, but it would offer money to help people get over the hurdle of new landscaping. 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. Completed park strips must be irrigated with low-volume drip systems. This assessment has been folded into the, Many residential connections use secondary water for outside irrigation. Utahs 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water conservation bills and appropriations totaling nearly $500 million in spending. In terms of individual water use, one measure by a Utah County lawmaker will create a great opportunity for water saving measures. 1/12/2022. The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. 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. Very low water levels at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County are pictured after Gov. The city gets its culinary water from a separate series of wells and springs. Washington County Water Conservancy District. 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. Flip Your Strip involves removing lawn from your park strip and replacing it with water-efficient plants and a drip irrigation system. Yes, but it is your responsibility to clear the project with your HOA. Qualifications: You must live in a qualifying city (see the list below). 121. Consider that 99% of Utah is in severe drought and 28 of Utahs largest 45 reservoirs are below 55% of available capacity. 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. at the local level - currently, states don't offersuch a program. ), The Best Tools for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Workplace Success. Cox's plan is to become a trailblazer nationwide for the reduction of water use on turf landscapes by implementing a statewide program. . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to. Despite pleas from her children about running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said her response is a firm no.. 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. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. Information on the district-level programs and others can be found on the Utah Water Savers site. Clerk of the House. We want our kids to play on it and our dogs," Hasenyager said. Groundcover plants can qualify as mulch if 100% plant density is achieved at maturity. Rebate checks will be issued to the name on property's water bill. Extreme drought has highlighted the need for Utah to stretch the water supply and look for ways to improve efficiency. Utah wants to be the first and is working to expand this program statewide. Every water district has reported significant savings compared to this time last year and in years past, Cox said, praising conservation efforts. 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. Call said this summer has jump-started fruitful discussions by residents on water conservation practices. ", Water conservation authority considers 'turf buyback' as St. George reviews wasteful ordinances. They tore out turf and replaced it with native plants and rocks. 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. A water conservation bill currently in the Legislature would also require the state to reduce outdoor water use. TownLift is a web and mobile-based Entertainment & News media outlet providing Park City and Summit County Utah with Breaking Local News & Community Updates. Drip systems must include filter and pressure regulators visible for inspection: Drip emitters must be rated at 5 gallons per hour or less. "Its wonderful to have a nice green lawn, but we're in an area where it's not necessarily native, and it just uses more water that we dont have," she said. Unpaid water bills will disqualify applicants from the Flip Your Strip program. Rep. Joel Ferrys HB33 is another significant piece of legislation that grew out of the session and designates, for the first time in the history of the state, the bed of the Great Salt Lake essentially the lake itself as a beneficial use for water rights. Weber County Commissioner Gage Froerer said the move was in response to a countywide conservation plan. 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. $19.20 - $22.80 hourly, 9 days ago Contractor Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. 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.. No, This program is only for exisitng landscapes with grass park strips. "But in the long run? To conserve, we need to plant grass in areas where its actively used, not treat grass as the default ground cover. 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. New developments in the area have prohibited turf lawns or kept them small. Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of Utahs municipal and industrial water use. 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. Bubblers, micro-spray emitters and soaker hoses are not allowed. Here are some of the best resources to make your workplace work better for Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. 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. Shasta daisies are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Projects should remove all lawn from the park strip and replace it with water-efficient landscaping. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. No, you must have living lawn in your park strip at the time of the pre-conversion visit. The state passed a bill trying to change that. Roughly $100 million of that is already going toward implementing water meters on secondary water systems statewide. 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. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? 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. It's something Kari said she encourages. Sixty percent of our municipal water goes toward outdoor watering. Legislative Research and General Counsel. Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here. "No, we dont," he chuckled. 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. Most secondary water is used for agriculture or irrigation. Gov. (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. (Remember, killing or removing your lawn before this visit will make your park strip ineligible for a rebate). In information provided at the press conference, officials pointed to water savings in Layton, where residents and businesses have used 94.9 million fewer gallons of water this year compared to last year. Your park strip needs to have living lawn to be eligible. Will Mitt Romney seek re-election in 2024? Landscape Consultations. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially signed key water legislation on Monday, April 18, 2022. 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. I want to flush my toilet, so Im willing to do my part. The bill passed on the 3rd reading and will now be considered in the House. But the grass seed is designed to grow quickly in the . The state is facing critical long-term reliable water supply issues. Rather than using grass as the default groundcover thats only walked on when its mowed, implementing a statewide rebate program will show that Utah is serious about conservation, Cox said. ST. GEORGE, Utah Mayor Michele Randall's backyard is turning brown and she's OK with it. "The turf buyback will offer residents the opportunity to apply for a rebate to remove our thirsty grass with water wise landscaping," said Candice Hasenyager, the director of Utah's Division of Water Resources. The program will follow Central Utah Water Conservancy District, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy, and Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, which all offer similar programs in their territories. Before removing any turf, the following actions need to take place: i. All new state facilities in Utah may be required to have less than 20% turf. 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. In Jordan Valley's program, participation in the Flip Your Strip program is up 160% this year. 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