These requirements include waterwise landscape standards for new residential developments. I want to have a nice drink of water. Doing so will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand homeowners can get cash for doing it. Stay in the loop when you subscribe for free. To register visit. This program would be for front yards, back yards or any other "non-functional" grass. When connections arent metered, it is difficult to track and conserve secondary water. 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. In cases where metering is already happening, the savings have been as much as 30%. 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. The . Sign up for our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get today's top local news stories in your inbox. 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. Weve seen significant reductions in water usage across the state. Municipal water use makes up about 15% of all water use in Utah. This bill is one I would consider generationally one of the most important pieces of legislation that you will see, he said. 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. 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. 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. "Were lush. I want to flush my toilet, so Im willing to do my part. Request a pre-conversion site visit. 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. The Jimenezes have already recorded some water savings. And can he win? Lawn areas shall not be less than eight feet wide at its narrowest point. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. Really to have the state government setting the example on water-wise use in our landscaping, said Rep. Robert Spendlove. A study for the prioritization of water rights who gets what and how much during an extreme water shortage. Here are some of the best resources to make your workplace work better for Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. No, we do not promote the removal of trees from landscapes; however, trees must be watered with the installed drip irrigation system following conversion. Spencer J. Cox joined water officials from around the state to highlight current conservation efforts and outline measures needed to plan for Utahs water future. The idea is very preliminary, but it would offer money to help people get over the hurdle of new landscaping. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! Like Cox, Ferry emphasized the critical factor of collaboration. (Remember, killing or removing your lawn before this visit will make your park strip ineligible for a rebate). They tore out turf and replaced it with native plants and rocks. This year, Im getting quite nervous as we have had multiple months without the water we need.. 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. Click here to sign in and see program availability. 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. As water managers warn of worst on record drought, what do people think should be done to save water? 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. 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? 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. 06 Feb 2023 19:59:44 We want our kids to play on it and our dogs," Hasenyager said. All rights reserved. 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. Cash rewards and plan reviews will be given for landscaping projects that meet program . Under Flip Your Strip, $1 per square foot is offered or $1.25 per square foot if a free park strip class is attended. Should parents follow singer Pinks advice for kids and social media? The Legislature appropriated $70 million to continue improving agricultural water use practices, create benefits for farmers. In Jordan Valleys program, participation in the Flip Your Strip program is up 160% this year. No matter what Cox proposes, there wont be any impact in the near term. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. During the 2022 legislative session, the Division of Water Resources received $5 million to implement a statewide grass replacement rebate program. Clerk of the House. Water-saving strategies are showing some success in unique ways. 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. (Utah State Capitol. If landscape fabric is used (not recommended), it must be permeable to water and air. Donate to the newsroom now. Flip Your Strip involves removing lawn from your park strip and replacing it with water-efficient plants and a drip irrigation system. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. We have seen significant water reductions in every water district across the state, Cox said, lauding the efforts of the public and water managers. The following cities have adopted qualifying water-efficient landscape ordinances for new residential developments. Heres the one word you cant say in a room full of Republicans, 106 wild horses have died in Colorado. Tasked the division with making state agency conservation data . Weber County Commissioner Gage Froerer said the move was in response to a countywide conservation plan. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " program help incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. Roughly $100 million of that. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. Sign up for a free consultation to see how you can make your yard more water-efficient and Utah-friendly. Aware of an additional resource that would would be helpful to include on this site?Please send an email to greatsaltlake@utah.gov. 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.. You have 6 months after your application to complete your park strip project. 1/18/2022. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. 350 North State, Suite 320 PO Box 145115 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114; Telephone: (801) 538-1408 https://senate.utah.gov; Contact a Senator While the winter overflow system in Salt Lake County has been expanded this winter, the availability of beds has been a consistent issue. Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here. 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. "When a lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained. Personal Data: various types of Data as specified in the privacy policy of the service. House/ received bill from Legislative Research. No, This program is only for exisitng landscapes with grass park strips. Raising Our Political IQ. She's among those who are following the advice of Washington County's water conservancy district to cut lawn watering to only three times a week for southern Utah in the state's drought emergency (it's recommended only twice a week in northern Utah). "What were looking at is when you only walk on it once a week (to mow it), you really shouldnt have that grass.". If lawn has been killed or removed prior to a pre-conversion site visit, you are not eligible for this program. Turf buyback . 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! The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. 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. 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. The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. The passage of this legislation makes it the first ever statewide program of its kind. TownLift is a web and mobile-based Entertainment & News media outlet providing Park City and Summit County Utah with Breaking Local News & Community Updates. These types of programs have traditionally been offered at the local level. 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. He noted the water savings achieved over time would be enough to fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet. Before removing any turf, the following actions need to take place: i. Have a story idea or tip? The goalis to plant grass in areas where it's actively used The city's famed golf courses have made changes with an eye toward water savings. #utleg #utpol . Review the eligibility tab to ensure that your project qualifies for a rebate. We really want to use grass in places where it makes sense. No, this program requires plants and drip irrigation to be installed. LocalScapes target a revamped landscaping design for residents with reward money being distributed based on lot size and water savings. First-of-its-kind legislation passed in . Try these game day snacks to make watching football at home with your family feel like a special occasion. We need to expand this over the next few years. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. "No, we dont," he chuckled. No, you must have living lawn in your park strip at the time of the pre-conversion visit. 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. 1/12/2022. Shasta daisies are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Utah wants to be the first and is working to expand this program statewide. The bill establishes that participation is voluntary and not a governmental code or policy requirement. Across the state there are multiple cities that have enacted various restrictions or taken other measures to cope with the effects of this drought. Secondly, the owner has to be paid up and in good standing with their water provider. Further information can be found on the states website. We moved here a year ago to the city, so we decided Lets not worry about it., She puts water on her trees and pumpkins, but that is about it. What about people who have already xeriscaped their lawns and wont get money from the state. Theyve learned they can have that same look by using water-friendly landscaping," said Zachary Renstrom, the general manager of the water conservancy district. The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. This rule is in place to follow local city ordinances. 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. Taller plants block views, impede safety, and can interfere with city maintenance. By switching out grass that isn't used, Utahns can conserve significant amounts of water. 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! 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. Everybody thinks about grass and gardens, but there are a lot of other uses too, he said. The federal government stopped states from removing people from Medicaid during the pandemic, but that's changing now. Water Conservation Program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site visit. "When a lot of these. "They loved how the project has come out. Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. Last month, Ogden officials declared a moderate water shortage and providers of secondary water from Pineview warned of a potential early shutdown. Gov. You read that right, Why theres not much room for optimism with Utah water supplies, Saving the otherworldly place of Utahs declining inland sea, The Deseret News is on a journey to help the Great Salt Lake. These plans are adaptable to any size park strip. Some towns are already out of water, such as Echo in Summit County which has been forced to truck in drinking water from Henefer. 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. Enter your email to be notified when new rebates and programs are offered in your area. 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. Download one of our easy park strip designs and start there. 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. Last year was pretty stressful, said Brian Steed with the Department of Natural Resources. 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. 121. 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. 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. Now, for the bad news. 118 Water Efficient Landscaping Incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the popular "turf buyback" program. Against the backdrop of a half-full Jordanelle Reservoir, Cox and Lt. Gov. Residents in areas that have adopted qualifying landscape standards are eligible for state rebate funding. Then theres how to pay for it. Every water district has reported significant savings compared to this time last year and in years past, Cox said, praising conservation efforts. Previously converted park strips do not qualify for this program at this time. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Weve scoured the web for you and narrowed down a few of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas to make your planning easy. 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. Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. This year, though, Utah became the first in the nation to implement a statewide turf buyback program. The Jimenezes' neighbors have admired the landscaping project and expressed an interest in doing it themselves. 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. Turf buyback programs like Jordan Valley's . 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. Wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained not eligible bill establishes that participation is and... 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