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. Any culinary water use on lawns remains against city ordinance, and residents who abuse that rule could be subject to a fine as high as $250. Your park strip needs to have living lawn to be eligible. 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. It is unclear exactly how much water goes toward agricultural use as the Utah Divison of Water Resources says it mostly relies on estimates. Mayor Randall said other policies being looked at include ordinances that required a certain percentage of landscaping be turf or prohibiting certain water-hogging trees in developments. Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here. 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. Qualifications: You must live in a qualifying city (see the list below). 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.. Try these game day snacks to make watching football at home with your family feel like a special occasion. Theyve learned they can have that same look by using water-friendly landscaping," said Zachary Renstrom, the general manager of the water conservancy district. Last year was pretty stressful, said Brian Steed with the Department of Natural Resources. Communities can work with either a partner water district or the division to adopt landscape standards that qualify for the statewide program. The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. 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? A list of eligible cities, information for communities interested in adopting water-efficient landscape policy and information about rebate applications can be found below. 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. Really to have the state government setting the example on water-wise use in our landscaping, said Rep. Robert Spendlove. We need to expand this over the next few years. Photo: Kevin Cody. Max Peck of West Jordan runs through the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Park strips must be currently landscaped with living, well-maintained lawn. So many Utahns are doing their part to save water, which is fantastic, but theres much more we can do.. Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. Last month, Utah Gov. The Washington County Water Conservancy District offers tips for how to convert to desert-friendly landscaping. Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson, R-Orem, HB242 provides $250 million in grants to fast track the metering of secondary water. Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, who works on water issues for the Legislature called the idea intriguing, but he is worried about whether it can be implemented fairly. 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. Click here to sign in and see program availability. Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. 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. But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. Expect more information in spring 2023. The biggest hurdle will be selling lawmakers on the idea. If landscape fabric is used (not recommended), it must be permeable to water and air. Legislative Research and General Counsel. People can buy it for $8.50 a bag, which will cover 1,000 square feet. "Youve got a lot of churches with lots and lots of lush, grass that nobody even steps on. 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. 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. Maybe its because our stories are so similar, I wasnt worried about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT. Statewide turf buyback program Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of our municipaland industrial water use. No, this program is intended for single-family residences only. 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%. These types of programs are typically offered at the local level. 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. 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. "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. Gov. If lawn has been killed or removed prior to a pre-conversion site visit, you are not eligible for this program. The Weber County Sports Complex launched an initiative to do fewer cuts at its ice rink and in doing so, anticipates saving more than a million gallons over the year. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! The bill establishes that participation is voluntary and not a governmental code or policy requirement. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Utah's 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water-related bills and appropriations. Will Mitt Romney seek re-election in 2024? Communities are welcome and encouraged to add additional standards, based on local need. Apply for the program through your WaterSmart Customer Portal at mywater.stpud.us or contact the District for assistance at conservewater@stpud.us or 530-544-6474. ii. Completed projects must be covered with 3-4 inches of gravel, bark, or compost mulch. 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. Asking people to conserve is not a bad idea in terms of our water usage, said Brian Steed, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources. "Were lush. "But in the long run? Submit completion photos of your project online. 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. Dozens of creative bills been introduced, including ones to increase turf buyback incentives and to appropriate money to require treated water systemslike for plumbing and drinking in rural areas to implement water metering.. House Majority Leader Mike Schultz (R) introduced a bill Feb. 16 that would appoint a Great Salt Lake commissioner to coordinate state efforts and create a . One idea being considered to get Washington County residents to change their outdoor watering habits is paying people to kill their lawns. "Theres going to be people that are going to have some pain points on this," Mayor Randall said. Spencer Cox and Lt. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. a. SALT LAKE CITY Most of Utah's municipal water goes outdoors about 70 percent. The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. Weve seen significant reductions in water usage across the state. A water conservation bill currently in the Legislature would also require the state to reduce outdoor water use. Review the eligibility tab to ensure that your project qualifies for a rebate. Weve scoured the web for you and narrowed down a few of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas to make your planning easy. Donate to the newsroom now. 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. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! "Im trying to do my part and set the example," the mayor said in a recent interview with FOX 13. We have seen significant water reductions in every water district across the state, Cox said, lauding the efforts of the public and water managers. In Jordan Valley's program, participation in the Flip Your Strip program is up 160% this year. With 100% of the state experiencing drought conditions, Gov. Request a pre-conversion site visit. 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. Mayor Randall said some of the policy changes may be painful for some residents, but they are necessary. Gov. "As a city? Over 100 patients with brain tumors attended the same high school. Humans have put the future of hippos at risk, Wests megadrought delivers another blow: Saving Glen Canyon Dam. 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. Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. Should parents follow singer Pinks advice for kids and social media? The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. 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? But the grass seed is designed to grow quickly in the . SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. You can sign up here for information on the turf buyback program. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? Projects that replace lawn with artificial turf are not eligible. 54 is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate the sales tax on food purchased in the state. The program encourages waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only where theyre actively used. Unlike North Ogden, some municipal water providers do not have prohibitions regarding the use of indoor water on outdoor landscaping, but households and businesses just need to be prepared to pay much higher water bills. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to notify people when they can start applying for rebates. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to. I want to have a nice drink of water. Despite pleas from her children about running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said her response is a firm no.. Cash rewards and plan reviews will be given for landscaping projects that meet program . Bubblers, micro-spray emitters and soaker hoses are not allowed. "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. has said it has enough water to get through this year, but plans are being made for drastic measures in the years to come. Roughly $100 million of that. Thats a good first start.. Utah Gov. The state passed a bill trying to change that. Landscape Consultations. and establishing a statewide turf buyback program. No, you must have living lawn in your park strip at the time of the pre-conversion visit. A previous version of this story incorrectly listed Rep. Val Petersons last name as Iverson. 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. 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. Water Conservation Program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site visit. Were not aware of any state that offers such a program, and we want to be the first state to offer a turf buyback program, Cox said. 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. Cities will be added as landscape ordinances are updated to meet state requirements. The programs are available to all eight counties within the districts coverage area and being funded at a half million dollars. To all those people who asked what are YOU going to do, this is the answer, Cox said. 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. 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. 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. 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. Applicants must be participating voluntarily. Lambs ears and Coreopsis are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. The Jimenezes' neighbors have admired the landscaping project and expressed an interest in doing it themselves. Raising Our Political IQ. These plans are adaptable to any size park strip. 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. 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. Renstrom said the water conservancy district is not pushing people to get rid of their lawns, but reimagine how it could look with less grass and more drought-friendly plants. By leaving the ice in this year and not letting it melt and then freeze again, the water savings will be substantial. Communities outside of a partner water districts service area, including unincorporated areas, should work with the division. During the 2022 legislative session, the Division of Water Resources received $5 million to implement a statewide grass replacement rebate program. We have not put a lot of time and effort into our yard. All Rights Reserved, How can people save water in drought? 1/18/2022. No, we do not promote the removal of trees from landscapes; however, trees must be watered with the installed drip irrigation system following conversion. As for now, there is no standardizaton of turf buyback in Utah, or anywhere else in the country. No matter what Cox proposes, there wont be any impact in the near term. Program funding is available statewide. Cox said. This bill appropriated $250 million in. Encouraged to add additional standards, based on local need will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site.... 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