The programs are available to all eight counties within the districts coverage area and being funded at a half million dollars. This year, Utah's legislature passed bills that mandated water metering for landscaping, created a statewide turf buyback program, and set limits on turf at new state-owned buildings. State Facility Water Conservation (HB121), Washington County Water Conservancy District site. The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. Rather than using grass as the default groundcover thats only walked on when its mowed, implementing a statewide rebate program will show that Utah is serious about conservation, Cox said. 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. Weve scoured the web for you and narrowed down a few of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas to make your planning easy. Plants may not exceed 24 inches in height at maturity. 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. 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. has said it has enough water to get through this year, but plans are being made for drastic measures in the years to come. Officials and advocates spoke in favor of the bill. Attend a park strip class. "Im trying to do my part and set the example," the mayor said in a recent interview with FOX 13. Applicant must be in good standing with a participating water provider. We have seen significant water reductions in every water district across the state, Cox said, lauding the efforts of the public and water managers. a. Residents in these areas are eligible for rebates. If you have already killed or removed lawn, your application will be denied. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. TownLift is a web and mobile-based Entertainment & News media outlet providing Park City and Summit County Utah with Breaking Local News & Community Updates. 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. The Legislature appropriated $70 million to continue improving agricultural water use practices, create benefits for farmers. During your consultation, you will receive watering suggestions, sprinkler system advice, and recommendations for your landscape. Its saving water," she said. The following cities have adopted qualifying water-efficient landscape ordinances for new residential developments. The law does require you to have "living grass." $16.00 hourly. Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. Roughly $100 million of that. 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. I just heard a lot about the drought, grasshoppers in the middle of the country, how it is affecting farmers, and our yard honestly is not amazing. State officials say don't start killing your lawn quite yet, though they encourage you to just do the bare minimum of recommended watering. So many Utahns are doing their part to save water, which is fantastic, but theres much more we can do.. Cox said. Statewide turf buyback program Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of our municipal and industrial water use. Communities are welcome and encouraged to add additional standards, based on local need. 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. About 70% of Utahs municipal water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass. Against the backdrop of a half-full Jordanelle Reservoir, Cox and Lt. Gov. Realistically, they wont bear fruit, or water, until 2023. During the 2022 legislative session, the Division of Water Resources received $5 million to implement a statewide grass replacement rebate program. The Jimenezes have already recorded some water savings. No, this program is intended for single-family residences only. 1/18/2022. This bill is one I would consider generationally one of the most important pieces of legislation that you will see, he said. "It just cant be a dirt patch.". Did the Utah Legislature do enough to save the Great Salt Lake? 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. Participate in Skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023. With 100% of the state experiencing drought conditions, Gov. 350 North State, Suite 320 PO Box 145115 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114; Telephone: (801) 538-1408 https://senate.utah.gov; Contact a Senator This assessment has been folded into the, Many residential connections use secondary water for outside irrigation. In Sandy, the community has saved more than 234 million gallons of water the equivalent of 359 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Consider that 99% of Utah is in severe drought and 28 of Utahs largest 45 reservoirs are below 55% of available capacity. 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. Lawn areas shall not be less than eight feet wide at its narrowest point. 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. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 118 Water Efficient Landscaping Incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the popular "turf buyback" program. Dormant is still alive," Hasenyager said. 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. 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. Heres what to expect. "Youve got a lot of churches with lots and lots of lush, grass that nobody even steps on. "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. (Remember, killing or removing your lawn before this visit will make your park strip ineligible for a rebate). Statewide turf buyback program Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of our municipaland industrial water use. Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson, R-Orem, HB242 provides $250 million in grants to fast track the metering of secondary water. 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. 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. Gov. 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. The four measures he hopes legislators take up during the next session include: Statewide installation of secondary water meters You still have a place where neighbors can congregate and stand and have that feel, but the entire front lawn isnt grass," Renstrom said. LocalScapes target a revamped landscaping design for residents with reward money being distributed based on lot size and water savings. Rebate information for Washington County residents is available on the Washington County Water Conservancy District site. 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. House/ received bill from Legislative Research. We have not put a lot of time and effort into our yard. 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! 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. Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of Utahs municipal and industrial water use. Rebate amount varies by location. 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? 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. New study says worst in 1,200 years. BLM says its because of a killer cocktail of factors. Water-saving strategies are showing some success in unique ways. The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. If landscape fabric is used (not recommended), it must be permeable to water and air. Weber County Commissioner Gage Froerer said the move was in response to a countywide conservation plan. 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. Cox's plan is to become a trailblazer nationwide for the reduction of water use on turf landscapes by implementing a statewide program. The bill establishes that participation is voluntary and not a governmental code or policy requirement. #utleg #utpol . Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? Ferry, R-Brigham City and a farmer himself, cobbled together a complicated compromise bill that allows farmers and other holders of water rights to lease those rights to the Utah Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands, which has oversight of the lake bed. Water Conservation Program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site visit. Clerk of the House. Max Peck of West Jordan runs through the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. 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.. The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. 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. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! Qualifications: You must live in a qualifying city (see the list below). By switching out grass that isn't used, Utahns can conserve significant amounts of water. 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. The biggest hurdle will be selling lawmakers on the idea. This drought has caused all of us to reevaluate how we conserve and motivated us to do more, Gov. 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. How Orrin Hatch protected people of faith. Cox discussed new policies his administration is hoping to push forward, like a buyback program for turf and secondary water metering. No, this program requires plants and drip irrigation to be installed. The goalis to plant grass in areas where it's actively used Utah Gov. She understands that homeowners who have invested a lot of time, money and sweat into having perfect landscaping may be dismayed. This year, though, Utah became the first in the nation to implement a statewide turf buyback program. No, we do not promote the removal of trees from landscapes; however, trees must be watered with the installed drip irrigation system following conversion. The rebate is $1.25 per square foot of turf removed and replaced with water-wise landscaping. Roughly $100 million of that is already going toward implementing water meters on secondary water systems statewide. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. Gov. 54 is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate the sales tax on food purchased in the state. Washington County Water Conservancy District. Download one of our easy park strip designs and start there. We need to expand this over the next few years. Cities will be added as landscape ordinances are updated to meet state requirements. Communities can work with either a partner water district or the division to adopt landscape standards that qualify for the statewide program. 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. Submit completion photos of your project online. "Theres going to be people that are going to have some pain points on this," Mayor Randall said. Your park strip needs to have living lawn to be eligible. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. Whether if you are looking at the water conditions, we were facing last year. Everybody thinks about grass and gardens, but there are a lot of other uses too, he said. Bill Numbered but not Distributed. Extreme drought has highlighted the need for Utah to stretch the water supply and look for ways to improve efficiency. Shasta daisies are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide. Apply for the program through your WaterSmart Customer Portal at mywater.stpud.us or contact the District for assistance at [email protected] or 530-544-6474. ii. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. Completed park strips must be irrigated with low-volume drip systems. As water managers warn of worst on record drought, what do people think should be done to save water? Some lawmakers had concerns, but most were happy to move the bill forward and make changes later. This program would be for front yards, back yards or any other "non-functional" grass. Information on the district-level programs and others can be found on the Utah Water Savers site. Humans have put the future of hippos at risk, Wests megadrought delivers another blow: Saving Glen Canyon Dam. 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! 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. 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. Very low water levels at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County are pictured after Gov. Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here. What is skijoring? Cash rewards and plan reviews will be given for landscaping projects that meet program . 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. Hb121 ), it must be irrigated with low-volume drip systems significant of! Sales tax on food purchased in the West a memory 121 appropriated $ 70 million to a! 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