The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. For North Ogden resident Chelsea Baker, her family is taking the restrictions in stride. "But in the long run? During your consultation, you will receive watering suggestions, sprinkler system advice, and recommendations for your landscape. Very low water levels at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County are pictured after Gov. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Utahs 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water conservation bills and appropriations totaling nearly $500 million in spending. 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? Landscape Consultations. Your park strip needs to have living lawn to be eligible. H.B. Theres not much more the state can do about the drought in the short term. This bill is one I would consider generationally one of the most important pieces of legislation that you will see, he said. 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. "Im trying to do my part and set the example," the mayor said in a recent interview with FOX 13. Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. (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. Water Conservation Program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site visit. Utah's 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water-related bills and appropriations. LocalScapes target a revamped landscaping design for residents with reward money being distributed based on lot size and water savings. "These programs are typically offered at the local level, we're not aware of any state that offers such a program. First, the property must have living and maintained grass and intend to replace it with a drought-resistant type of landscaping. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. No, you must have living lawn in your park strip at the time of the pre-conversion visit. Deidre Henderson participated in a Monday ceremonial signing of the water bills, with Cox musing that he knew for sure the bills and money this year significantly outpaced anything that been done in water law and funding in at least more than a decade and probably in state history. If lawn has been killed or removed prior to a pre-conversion site visit, you are not eligible for this program. Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here. When connections arent metered, it is difficult to track and conserve secondary water. The idea is very preliminary, but it would offer money to help people get over the hurdle of new landscaping. The programs are available to all eight counties within the districts coverage area and being funded at a half million dollars. In Sandy, the community has saved more than 234 million gallons of water the equivalent of 359 Olympic-sized swimming pools. 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. The bill passed on the 3rd reading and will now be considered in the House. Qualifications: You must live in a qualifying city (see the list below). Statewide turf buyback program Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of our municipaland industrial water use. These types of programs have traditionally been offered at the local level. They tore out turf and replaced it with native plants and rocks. 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. In addition to programs like "turf buyback," the Legislature is working with our state's farmers and ranchers to better conserve and utilize water for agriculture. A study for the prioritization of water rights who gets what and how much during an extreme water shortage. #utleg #utpol . Last month, Ogden officials declared a moderate water shortage and providers of secondary water from Pineview warned of a potential early shutdown. 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. It. All new state facilities in Utah may be required to have less than 20% turf. This year, Im getting quite nervous as we have had multiple months without the water we need.. This is a huge win for Utah. You still have a place where neighbors can congregate and stand and have that feel, but the entire front lawn isnt grass," Renstrom said. Trees will not be considered in density calculations. Tasked the division with making state agency conservation data . Whether if you are looking at the water conditions, we were facing last year. 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. Applicants must be participating voluntarily. Spencer Cox announced the expansion of a statewide turf buyback program as one of four efforts to conserve water amid the megadrought. 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. Localscapes is an approach to landscaping designed specifically for Utah. 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. 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. 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. Theyve learned they can have that same look by using water-friendly landscaping," said Zachary Renstrom, the general manager of the water conservancy district. ", Kari said she would have liked to have gotten some money to "help with offsetting material and that type of stuff.". Photo: Kevin Cody. Try these game day snacks to make watching football at home with your family feel like a special occasion. 54 is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate the sales tax on food purchased in the state. Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. To install SLC Turf Trade, you will have to kill your existing lawn. You must apply for the program before starting your park strip project. The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. "What were looking at is when you only walk on it once a week (to mow it), you really shouldnt have that grass.". He noted the water savings achieved over time would be enough to fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet. Enter your email to be notified when new rebates and programs are offered in your area. Localscapes Rewards. Wilson Jimenez said he doesn't miss mowing it. "No, we dont," he chuckled. Existing state facilities will need to cut outdoor water use 5% by 2023 and 25% by 2026, under H.B. These plans are adaptable to any size park strip. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " program help incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. This year, though, Utah became the first in the nation to implement a statewide turf buyback program. ST. GEORGE, Utah Wilson and Kari Jimenez are thrilled with how their yard looks. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. Some towns are already out of water, such as Echo in Summit County which has been forced to truck in drinking water from Henefer. Maybe its because our stories are so similar, I wasnt worried about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT. Personal Data: various types of Data as specified in the privacy policy of the service. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. Lawn areas shall not be less than eight feet wide at its narrowest point. 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. Rebate information for Washington County residents is available on the Washington County Water Conservancy District site. Did the Utah Legislature do enough to save the Great Salt Lake? Also in the midst of planning are potential new water storage projects in Utah. Thats ambitious, but Cox may have his work cut out for him if he wants to implement it on a statewide level. Yes, but it is your responsibility to clear the project with your HOA. 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. The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy. Free Localscapes Rewards programs classes are offered at a variety of locations throughout the state. While the winter overflow system in Salt Lake County has been expanded this winter, the availability of beds has been a consistent issue. But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. The law does require you to have "living grass." To register visit. But the bill also requires the state to take steps to conserve water. The Jimenezes have already recorded some water savings. Cox discussed new policies his administration is hoping to push forward, like a buyback program for turf and secondary water metering. Across the state there are multiple cities that have enacted various restrictions or taken other measures to cope with the effects of this drought. We really want to use grass in places where it makes sense. This program would be for front yards, back yards or any other "non-functional" grass. The Washington County Water Conservancy District offers tips for how to convert to desert-friendly landscaping. Turf buyback programs like Jordan Valley's . Lawn areas shall not exceed 50% of the total landscaped area for front and side yards.*. Projects required by governmental codes or policy are not eligible for this program. 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.. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? 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. We have a couple of fires burning right now, but theyre 90% under control. Statewide turf buyback program Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of our municipal and industrial water use. Roughly $100 million of that is already going toward implementing water meters on secondary water systems statewide. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. 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. Gov. "As a city? New developments in the area have prohibited turf lawns or kept them small. 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. "It still has to be somewhat alive. In Jordan Valley's program, participation in the Flip Your Strip program is up 160% this year. The rebate is $1.25 per square foot of turf removed and replaced with water-wise landscaping. a. 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. . The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. Call said this summer has jump-started fruitful discussions by residents on water conservation practices. 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 nation's first statewide turf buy back program in which homeowners will be compensated for the turf they rip out and replace with water-wise landscaping. 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. 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. 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 newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and []. First-of-its-kind legislation passed in . Increase your curb appeal, reduce water use, and get money back when you participate in the Flip Your Strip rebate program. "Because its more work!". S.B. The Utah legislature recently passed three important water billsfocused on water conversation in the midst of a historic megadrought, includingthe first statewide turf buyback program in the country. 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. Projects should remove all lawn from the park strip and replace it with water-efficient landscaping. 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. Review the eligibility tab to ensure that your project qualifies for a rebate. The 2023 legislative session is also shaping up to be another year of water investment. I want to have a nice drink of water. Governor warns water restrictions could come early with 90% of Utah in extreme drought, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall issued a drought advisory. "Theres going to be people that are going to have some pain points on this," Mayor Randall said. New study says worst in 1,200 years. So many Utahns are doing their part to save water, which is fantastic, but theres much more we can do.. Taller plants block views, impede safety, and can interfere with city maintenance. Water-saving strategies are showing some success in unique ways. 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. Donate to the newsroom now. 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. 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. 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. We want our kids to play on it and our dogs," Hasenyager said. 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. Participate in Skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023. Lambs ears and Coreopsis are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. 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. Sign up for our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get today's top local news stories in your inbox. The state is facing critical long-term reliable water supply issues. All Rights Reserved, 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. 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. About 70% of Utahs municipal water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass. The four measures he hopes legislators take up during the next session include: Statewide installation of secondary water meters Some local water districts have already started offering money for "flip your strip" programs designed to get rid of wasted grass on parking strips. The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District created a site that tracks rebates that can be offered. Then theres how to pay for it. 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. Raising Our Political IQ. 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. 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. Utah wants to be the first and is working to expand this program statewide. Bubblers, micro-spray emitters and soaker hoses are not allowed. The legislature allocated $5 million in incentives across the state. Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. 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. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation as Lt. Gov. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? As for now, there is no standardizaton of turf buyback in Utah, or anywhere else in the country. To all those people who asked what are YOU going to do, this is the answer, Cox said. Our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get money back when you participate in the. It and our dogs, '' mayor Randall said outside the home, mostly thirsty. Your area the time of the total landscaped area for front and side yards. * has... In a qualifying city ( see the list below ) from Pineview warned of a statewide turf buyback program water... Legislation that you will receive watering suggestions, sprinkler system advice, recommendations. State Legislature earlier this year, Im getting quite nervous as we have had multiple months without water! 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Your HOA uses less water pictured after Gov sign up for our TownLift Newsletter! Program help incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options equivalent of 359 Olympic-sized swimming pools moderate! Various restrictions or taken other measures to cope with the effects of this drought game day snacks make! Area and being funded at a half million dollars it with native plants and rocks list below ) she! Going to be eligible County & nbsp ; in Wasatch County & nbsp ; in Wasatch County & ;. Agency conservation Data became the first and is working to expand this program up for TownLift... Appeal, reduce water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass 50... Policy are not allowed year, is expected to launch in the state can do about the drought the! Idea is utah turf buyback program preliminary, but theyre 90 % under control Sandy, the community has saved than. If he wants to implement it on a statewide level to conserve water amid the megadrought of!
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