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. The Legislature appropriated $70 million to continue improving agricultural water use practices, create benefits for farmers. Flip Your Strip involves removing lawn from your park strip and replacing it with water-efficient plants and a drip irrigation system. Eight streams are flowing at record low conditions, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources. Completed park strips must be irrigated with low-volume drip systems. Previously converted park strips do not qualify for this program at this time. 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. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. These types of programs have traditionally been offered at the local level. Starting a turf buyback program According to the Governor's office, areas that have installed secondary meters include Spanish Fork, Saratoga Springs and Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, and they have seen a reduction in water use by about 20-30%. Spencer Cox said that last summer he took a bit of criticism after he asked residents both religious and nonreligious to pray or seek divine intervention for rainfall to counter the effects of the drought. The governor also said all secondary water systems should be metered. This program would be for front yards, back yards or any other "non-functional" grass. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation as Lt. Gov. 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. 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. Weve been lucky, but this is a direct response to peoples behavior, he said. Taller plants block views, impede safety, and can interfere with city maintenance. Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. (Remember, killing or removing your lawn before this visit will make your park strip ineligible for a rebate). TownLift is a web and mobile-based Entertainment & News media outlet providing Park City and Summit County Utah with Breaking Local News & Community Updates. Thats ambitious, but Cox may have his work cut out for him if he wants to implement it on a statewide level. 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. Are we overreacting about the future of Twitter? Will Mitt Romney seek re-election in 2024? Whether if you are looking at the water conditions, we were facing last year. Park strips must be currently landscaped with living, well-maintained lawn. As water managers warn of worst on record drought, what do people think should be done to save water? ), The Best Tools for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Workplace Success. "As a city? 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. 121. State Facility Water Conservation (HB121), Washington County Water Conservancy District site. 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. 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. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially signed key water legislation on Monday, April 18, 2022. 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. We have seen significant water reductions in every water district across the state, Cox said, lauding the efforts of the public and water managers. But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. 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. 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. "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. 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. 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. The . 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. No matter what Cox proposes, there wont be any impact in the near term. has said it has enough water to get through this year, but plans are being made for drastic measures in the years to come. 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. Central Utah Water Conservancy District announced the launch of two new water conservation incentive programs: its own Flip Your Strip & Localscapes Rewards. No, this program requires plants and drip irrigation to be installed. These plans are adaptable to any size park strip. Weve taken the guesswork out of it for you with our ready-made plans. Residents in these areas are eligible for rebates. Utah is the fastest growing state in the nation, growing 18.4% over the past decade compared to the national average of 7.4%. 1/12/2022. Utah wants to be the first and is working to expand this program statewide. Some towns are already out of water, such as Echo in Summit County which has been forced to truck in drinking water from Henefer. 1/18/2022. I want to have a shower. Last month, Ogden officials declared a moderate water shortage and providers of secondary water from Pineview warned of a potential early shutdown. Cox also floated was a turf buyback program, in which the state would pay property owners to tear out grass and replace it with xeriscaping or more water-wise landscaping. Should parents follow singer Pinks advice for kids and social media? "They loved how the project has come out. Concrete areas do not qualify for a square foot rebate, but pavers, bricks, stone, and other permeable materials are permitted. We have a couple of fires burning right now, but theyre 90% under control. The passage of this legislation makes it the first ever statewide program of its kind. This assessment has been folded into the, Many residential connections use secondary water for outside irrigation. Donate to the newsroom now. Roughly $100 million of that is already going toward implementing water meters on secondary water systems statewide. Now, for the bad news. Were identifying acres and acres of turf that were going to be removing so we can conserve water. Extreme drought has highlighted the need for Utah to stretch the water supply and look for ways to improve efficiency. Here are some of the best resources to make your workplace work better for Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. Max Peck of West Jordan runs through the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Aware of an additional resource that would would be helpful to include on this site?Please send an email to greatsaltlake@utah.gov. The law does require you to have "living grass." 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. The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. This year, though, Utah became the first in the nation to implement a statewide turf buyback program. Weber County Commissioner Gage Froerer said the move was in response to a countywide conservation plan. If lawn has been killed or removed prior to a pre-conversion site visit, you are not eligible for this program. 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. This bill is one I would consider generationally one of the most important pieces of legislation that you will see, he said. Projects that replace lawn with artificial turf are not eligible. 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. "They have actually expressed even wanting to get rid of their grass so I think its been a positive thing.". The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands is also updating and enacting a, Tasks the Utah Division of Water Resources to develop the Great Salt Lake Watershed Integrated Water Assessment to look at how much surface and groundwater flow to the lake. The this is the Utah Legislatures passage of a dozen water-related bills and ensuing endorsement by Cox that transform them into law. Program funding is available statewide. Communities are welcome and encouraged to add additional standards, based on local need. The legislature allocated $5 million in incentives across the state. You can sign up here for information on the turf buyback program. Mayor Randall said some of the policy changes may be painful for some residents, but they are necessary. All new state facilities in Utah may be required to have less than 20% turf. A bill that would eliminate signature gathering candidates from Utah's primary election ballots was pulled off the agenda before being heard by a Senate committee Tuesday morning. 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. 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. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. The rebate is $1.25 per square foot of turf removed and replaced with water-wise landscaping. Trees will not be considered in density calculations. Theres not much more the state can do about the drought in the short term. 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. Municipal water use makes up about 15% of all water use in Utah. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. We have not put a lot of time and effort into our yard. Spencer Cox announced the expansion of a statewide turf buyback program as one of four efforts to conserve water amid the megadrought. The Washington County Water Conservancy District offers tips for how to convert to desert-friendly landscaping. Tasked the division with making state agency conservation data . 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. HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide rebate program. The way my yard looks is nowhere as important as it is for farmers to provide food for the state, Baker said. Completed projects must be covered with 3-4 inches of gravel, bark, or compost mulch. If we can cut back on that, weve already had substantial savings. The Jimenezes have already recorded some water savings. The program encourages waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only where theyre actively used. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. LocalScapes target a revamped landscaping design for residents with reward money being distributed based on lot size and water savings. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to notify people when they can start applying for rebates. 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. "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. In terms of individual water use, one measure by a Utah County lawmaker will create a great opportunity for water saving measures. Once your application has been approved, you have up to one year to complete your landscaping project. SB 110 Requires a water use and preservation element to be part of a municipal or county general plan. Cox discussed new policies his administration is hoping to push forward, like a buyback program for turf and secondary water metering. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. Appropriated $5 million for a statewide turf buyback program. Yes, but it is your responsibility to clear the project with your HOA. Projects required by governmental codes or policy are not eligible for this program. 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. Very low water levels at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County are pictured after Gov. About 70% of Utahs municipal water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass. Weve scoured the web for you and narrowed down a few of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas to make your planning easy. In cases where metering is already happening, the savings have been as much as 30%. Cox's plan is to become a trailblazer nationwide for the reduction of water use on turf landscapes by implementing a statewide program. Did the Utah Legislature do enough to save the Great Salt Lake? After the press event, Cox told the Deseret News that the drought has not taken controversial water development projects like the Lake Powell Pipeline and Bear River Development plan off the table. And can he win? The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. We really want to use grass in places where it makes sense. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. "When a lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained. All rights reserved. The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy. Through state and district partnerships, eligible participants may receive up to $3 per square foot of lawn replaced with waterwise landscaping. "But in the long run? Metering all secondary water systems, continuing work with farmers and ranchers to reduce water consumption and starting a statewide turf buyback program are all steps Utah needs to take to be more waterwise, Gov. 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. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. "We still have a little bit of grass here, but we plan to eliminate the rest of that and continue with the desert landscape," Kari Jimenez said, showing FOX 13 News her new landscaping. 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. 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. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. ST. GEORGE, Utah Mayor Michele Randall's backyard is turning brown and she's OK with it. He noted the water savings achieved over time would be enough to fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet. Bubblers, micro-spray emitters and soaker hoses are not allowed. Choose from the dishes weve highlighted to plan your meal or start brainstorming your own meal plan a couple of weeks before to make sure you have time to shop and prepare. Increase your curb appeal, reduce water use, and get money back when you participate in the Flip Your Strip rebate program. 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! Attend a park strip class. Weve seen significant reductions in water usage across the state. Personal Data: various types of Data as specified in the privacy policy of the service. "What were looking at is when you only walk on it once a week (to mow it), you really shouldnt have that grass.". $19.00 - $20.00 hourly, 4 days ago Full time Submit completion photos of your project online. 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. Plants may not exceed 24 inches in height at maturity. Water Conservation Program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site visit. Over 100 patients with brain tumors attended the same high school. The measure, HB410, tasks the Utah Department of Natural Resources with undergoing a selection process for a conservation organization that will be in charge of the trust and award money for restoration in the Great Salt Lake watershed and the acquisition of water rights to benefit the lake. The biggest hurdle will be selling lawmakers on the idea. Despite pleas from her children about running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said her response is a firm no.. #utleg #utpol . No, This program is only for exisitng landscapes with grass park strips. Cities can opt in for their residents, who can be compensated $1 per square foot of lawn strip removal or $1.25 if they take a class. Utah Gov. 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. The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. Let it go," the mayor said. 54 is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate the sales tax on food purchased in the state. Roughly $100 million of that. How Orrin Hatch protected people of faith. Stay in the loop when you subscribe for free. All Rights Reserved, How can people save water in drought? 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. 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. "It still has to be somewhat alive. 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. Really to have the state government setting the example on water-wise use in our landscaping, said Rep. Robert Spendlove. "Grass is not the enemy. GET REBATES: Water conservation resources for Utah residents. What is skijoring? One idea being considered to get Washington County residents to change their outdoor watering habits is paying people to kill their lawns. 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