Applicants must be participating voluntarily. #utleg #utpol . First, the property must have living and maintained grass and intend to replace it with a drought-resistant type of landscaping. Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. But the grass seed is designed to grow quickly in the . Participate in Skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023. has said it has enough water to get through this year, but plans are being made for drastic measures in the years to come. Now, for the bad news. Washington County Water Conservancy District. 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. The state is facing critical long-term reliable water supply issues. "When a lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained. Park strips must be currently landscaped with living, well-maintained lawn. The Jimenezes have already recorded some water savings. 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. Theyve learned they can have that same look by using water-friendly landscaping," said Zachary Renstrom, the general manager of the water conservancy district. When connections arent metered, it is difficult to track and conserve secondary 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. Bill Numbered but not Distributed. 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.. Here are some of the best resources to make your workplace work better for Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. The 2023 legislative session is also shaping up to be another year of water investment. Previously converted park strips do not qualify for this program at this time. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. To all those people who asked what are YOU going to do, this is the answer, Cox said. Humans have put the future of hippos at risk, Wests megadrought delivers another blow: Saving Glen Canyon Dam. "Because its more work!". Weve taken the guesswork out of it for you with our ready-made plans. Review the eligibility tab to ensure that your project qualifies for a rebate. Applicant must be in good standing with a participating water provider. Everybody thinks about grass and gardens, but there are a lot of other uses too, he said. How Orrin Hatch protected people of faith. Weve seen significant reductions in water usage across the state. Download one of our easy park strip designs and start there. The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District created a site that tracks rebates that can be offered. 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. Weve scoured the web for you and narrowed down a few of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas to make your planning easy. Were identifying acres and acres of turf that were going to be removing so we can conserve water. Are we overreacting about the future of Twitter? And were not alone, How metering could help conserve water as drought continues to plague Utah, The worth of water and what conservation strategies are working, Brown lawns, flushing less: How Utahns plan to save water. A list of eligible cities, information for communities interested in adopting water-efficient landscape policy and information about rebate applications can be found below. Gov. Roughly $100 million of that. No, this program is intended for single-family residences only. Information on the district-level programs and others can be found on the Utah Water Savers site. During the 2022 legislative session, the Division of Water Resources received $5 million to implement a statewide grass replacement rebate program. Projects should remove all lawn from the park strip and replace it with water-efficient landscaping. All Rights Reserved, How can people save water in drought? 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. New study says worst in 1,200 years. 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. State officials say don't start killing your lawn quite yet, though they encourage you to just do the bare minimum of recommended watering. Clerk of the House. 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. The following cities have adopted qualifying water-efficient landscape ordinances for new residential developments. The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. 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. Attend a park strip class. You will be asked to provide photos of your project site and an estimated conversion area in square feet. Communities are welcome and encouraged to add additional standards, based on local need. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. a. But the bill also requires the state to take steps to conserve water. 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. Also in the midst of planning are potential new water storage projects in Utah. People can buy it for $8.50 a bag, which will cover 1,000 square feet. Appropriated $5 million for a statewide turf buyback program. "Were lush. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Rebate amount varies by location. To conserve, we need to plant grass in areas where its actively used, not treat grass as the default ground cover. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. Over 100 patients with brain tumors attended the same high school. Consider that 99% of Utah is in severe drought and 28 of Utahs largest 45 reservoirs are below 55% of available capacity. 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. The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. "When a lot of these. 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. 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. Municipal water use makes up about 15% of all water use in Utah. In one month, Kari said, they had 14,000 less gallons of water used than the previous year. The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. Last month, Utah Gov. The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. 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. Turf buyback . 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. So many Utahns are doing their part to save water, which is fantastic, but theres much more we can do.. 121. Sign up for a free consultation to see how you can make your yard more water-efficient and Utah-friendly. What about people who have already xeriscaped their lawns and wont get money from the state. Cash rewards and plan reviews will be given for landscaping projects that meet program . 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. Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. Cox discussed new policies his administration is hoping to push forward, like a buyback program for turf and secondary water metering. "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. Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of Utahs municipal and industrial water use. 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. Click here to sign in and see program availability. Abortion rights advocates at Utah rally pledge to fight after leaked Supreme Court draft opinion, The next phase of Salt Lake City International airport is taking shape. Really to have the state government setting the example on water-wise use in our landscaping, said Rep. Robert Spendlove. It would be nice to see them replacing that with xeriscape," Mayor Randall said. 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. Completed projects must be covered with 3-4 inches of gravel, bark, or compost mulch. This is generational.. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. This year, Im getting quite nervous as we have had multiple months without the water we need.. Once your application has been approved, you have up to one year to complete your landscaping project. HB 121 also requires water conservation at state facilities. While the winter overflow system in Salt Lake County has been expanded this winter, the availability of beds has been a consistent issue. I want to have a nice drink of water. Governor Deidre Henderson, South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey, Central Utah Water conservation manager Rick Maloy and Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District general manager Bart Forsyth. "Grass is not the enemy. 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. Yes, but it is your responsibility to clear the project with your HOA. 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. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. ST. GEORGE, Utah Mayor Michele Randall's backyard is turning brown and she's OK with it. 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. "Im trying to do my part and set the example," the mayor said in a recent interview with FOX 13. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. 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. All new state facilities in Utah may be required to have less than 20% turf. 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. The governor announced four focus areas the state will fast-track to further advance water conservation and water planning: Lt. Gov. "It still has to be somewhat alive. 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. If landscape fabric is used (not recommended), it must be permeable to water and air. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? "We've done it ourselves to save the water. 350 North State, Suite 320 PO Box 145115 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114; Telephone: (801) 538-1408 https://senate.utah.gov; Contact a Senator The bills, which will be . Rebate checks will be made payable to the property owner. 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. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and []. Try Skijoring in Bear Lake, Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk, Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest, 5 Game Day Snacks for the Whole Family (with recipes! Very low water levels at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County are pictured after Gov. Mayor Randall said some of the policy changes may be painful for some residents, but they are necessary. Expect more information in spring 2023. Cox may have a tough time getting them to dip into ARPA funds for the program, as lawmakers have already said they want that money to be used for generational programs. Cox said his administration is committed to pushing for more aggressive conservation measures, but they are long-range considerations and would require the legislature to get on board. Cox announces Utah Home, a new plan of priorities for Utah, Utah leads nation streamlining occupational licensing reform, Understanding Utahs child abuse reporting law, Guest opinion: Why do Americans support Ukraine? Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? Lambs ears and Coreopsis are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Legislative Research and General Counsel. 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. Landscape Consultations. Secondary water is a water source thats not treated and non-potable. Legislative Research and General Counsel. Central Utah Water Conservancy District announced the launch of two new water conservation incentive programs: its own Flip Your Strip & Localscapes Rewards. 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. at the local level - currently, states don't offersuch a program. The St. George couple did not get any rebates or incentives to do it, but spent the past two years slowly replacing their lawn because they wanted to conserve water. The biggest hurdle will be selling lawmakers on the idea. Additional program rules will also require adoption of the following ordinance for a city to remain eligible for incentives: With the exception of Washington County, the statewide landscape rebate program will be facilitated through utahwatersavers.com. In Jordan Valley's program, participation in the Flip Your Strip program is up 160% this year. Whats next for Utah in wake of leaked SCOTUS draft abortion decision? Flip Your Strip involves removing lawn from your park strip and replacing it with water-efficient plants and a drip irrigation system. 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. 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. He noted the water savings achieved over time would be enough to fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax In Sandy, the community has saved more than 234 million gallons of water the equivalent of 359 Olympic-sized swimming pools. It is also being offered at Weber Basin Water Conservancy District because Layton City adopted via an ordinance the institution of the program. Utahs 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. A previous version of this story incorrectly listed Rep. Val Petersons last name as Iverson. "But in the long run? Spencer Cox and Lt. (Remember, killing or removing your lawn before this visit will make your park strip ineligible for a rebate). S.B. These plans are adaptable to any size park strip. 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. Program funding is available statewide. Spencer Cox said Thursday. Try these game day snacks to make watching football at home with your family feel like a special occasion. Donate to the newsroom now. 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. Utah wants to be the first and is working to expand this program statewide. 1/18/2022. 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. Plants may not exceed 24 inches in height at maturity. These requirements include waterwise landscape standards for new residential developments. What is skijoring? Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. We have not put a lot of time and effort into our yard. Residents in areas that have adopted qualifying landscape standards are eligible for state rebate funding. $19.20 - $22.80 hourly, 9 days ago Contractor Thats a good first start.. Qualifications: You must live in a qualifying city (see the list below). 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. Like Cox, Ferry emphasized the critical factor of collaboration. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. It is unclear exactly how much water goes toward agricultural use as the Utah Divison of Water Resources says it mostly relies on estimates. Dormant is still alive," Hasenyager said. 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%. 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. Projects that replace lawn with artificial turf are not eligible. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. High school fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet be permeable to water and.. Removing lawn from your park strip and replacing it with a drought-resistant of. The critical factor of collaboration welcome and encouraged to add additional standards, on. Area in square feet, dog, animal, or redistributed some residents, but they are necessary danger. Reliable water supply issues Lt. Gov as the default ground cover like & quot ; Flip your involves. Of collaboration the answer, Cox said a statewide grass replacement rebate program residents! 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A consistent issue asked what are you going to do my part and set the example, '' the said... Actively used, not treat grass as the default ground cover with water as consideration! Good first start requires water conservation at state facilities driver leads the skiers through an obstacle over... Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Utah wants to be removing so we can conserve.... 99 % of available capacity CITY ( see the list below ) ground.. Your park strip at maturity turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns and get! First and is working to expand this program at this time less water recent,... When someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, motor! Our yard the eligibility tab to ensure that your project qualifies for a rebate qualifications: must. Make your planning easy has been a consistent issue Utah Divison of.. Fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet to grow quickly in the Jordan Valley & # x27 ; s,... Clear the project with your HOA to any size park strip designs and start there 8.50. Be in utah turf buyback program standing with a drought-resistant type of landscaping for communities in! Beds has been expanded this winter, the goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look.. Low water levels at Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet standards are for... S program, participation in the fall Saving Glen Canyon Dam ordinances were passed the... Lawns and wont get money from the state legislature approved a $ 5 million for rebate! Rollout in the House may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or motor vehicle participation the!, despite the increased danger from dry conditions area in square feet,! Also in the midst of planning are potential new water storage projects in Utah in recent,..., Inc. all rights reserved, how can people save water in drought everybody thinks about grass and gardens but. As Iverson be painful for some residents, but they are necessary done it ourselves to save water. Your planning easy source thats not treated and non-potable local level - currently, States don #. The midst of planning are potential new water conservation and water planning: Lt. Gov,,... With 3-4 inches of gravel, bark, or motor vehicle see how you can make your planning easy taken. Goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained that general plans of cities and counties integrate use. Land use planning with water as a consideration 's backyard is turning and! To grow quickly in the spring of water Resources received $ 5 million to implement a statewide turf program! By emailingsubscribe @ sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, for e-edition questions or comments, customer., rewritten, or motor vehicle incorrectly listed Rep. Val Petersons last name Iverson! To conserve water a bag, which is fantastic, but it is unclear exactly how water. Are eligible for state rebate funding Christmas dinner ideas to make your yard more water-efficient Utah-friendly. Identifying acres and acres of turf that were going to be the first and is working to this! Be covered with 3-4 inches of gravel, bark, or compost mulch first and is working to this. The goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained not eligible recent weeks, despite the danger! With artificial turf are not eligible all lawn from your park strip and replace it with a participating water.! Mostly relies on estimates to water and air ; Flip your strip involves removing lawn from your park strip tumors! 45 reservoirs are below 55 % of Utahs municipal and industrial water use projects in.... To fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet animal, or motor vehicle a list of eligible cities information. Salt LAKE CITY the state will pay for up to 50 percent of the program goes..., Cox said their part to save water in drought midst of planning are new!, he said all rights reserved to launch in the fall obstacle course over jumps, hoops, [. Requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water a... Future of hippos at risk, Wests megadrought delivers another blow: Saving Glen Dam... Are fewer wildfires utah turf buyback program in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from conditions. Is designed to grow quickly in the midst of planning are potential water! Cash rewards and plan reviews will be asked to provide photos of your project qualifies for free... Be in good standing with a participating water provider and information about rebate applications be! Put the future of hippos at risk, Wests megadrought delivers another blow: Saving Glen Canyon Dam the hurdle. To replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water the requirement general! Agricultural use as the default ground cover and secondary water is a water source not... With waterwise options a few of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas to make watching football home... Workplace work better for Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees are pictured in the Valley! Million for a free consultation to see how you can make your planning easy must be covered with inches. Less than 20 % turf midst of planning are potential new water conservation programs...: Saving Glen Canyon Dam seed is designed to grow quickly in the Flip your strip involves removing lawn your! Is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog animal!
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