No, we do not promote the removal of trees from landscapes; however, trees must be watered with the installed drip irrigation system following conversion. We want our kids to play on it and our dogs," Hasenyager said. It's something Kari said she encourages. BLM says its because of a killer cocktail of factors. Expect more information in spring 2023. To install SLC Turf Trade, you will have to kill your existing lawn. What about people who have already xeriscaped their lawns and wont get money from the state. 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. New developments in the area have prohibited turf lawns or kept them small. 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 four measures he hopes legislators take up during the next session include: Statewide installation of secondary water meters 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. Utah is the fastest growing state in the nation, growing 18.4% over the past decade compared to the national average of 7.4%. 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. 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. Then theres how to pay for it. 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). . In Sandy, the community has saved more than 234 million gallons of water the equivalent of 359 Olympic-sized swimming pools. In an effort to cut back on wasteful water use, Utah lawmakers approved the first statewide turf buyback program in the country, providing $5 million in incentives to residents who want to. Sixty percent of our municipal water goes toward outdoor watering. This year, Im getting quite nervous as we have had multiple months without the water we need.. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation during the current drought at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. Cash rewards and plan reviews will be given for landscaping projects that meet program . Statewide turf buyback program Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of our municipaland industrial water use. Extreme drought has highlighted the need for Utah to stretch the water supply and look for ways to improve efficiency. For North Ogden resident Chelsea Baker, her family is taking the restrictions in stride. Concrete areas do not qualify for a square foot rebate, but pavers, bricks, stone, and other permeable materials are permitted. Submit completion photos of your project online. Today Full time Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Utah wants to be the first and is working to expand this program statewide. 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.. Further information can be found on the states website. Officials and advocates spoke in favor of the bill. 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. The Jimenezes' neighbors have admired the landscaping project and expressed an interest in doing it themselves. 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. Whats next for Utah in wake of leaked SCOTUS draft abortion decision? Before removing any turf, the following actions need to take place: i. "These programs are typically offered at the local level, we're not aware of any state that offers such a program. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to notify people when they can start applying for rebates. Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. $19.00 - $20.00 hourly, 4 days ago Full time By switching out grass that isn't used, Utahns can conserve significant amounts of water. Should parents follow singer Pinks advice for kids and social media? Despite pleas from her children about running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said her response is a firm no.. 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. The Washington County Water Conservancy District offers tips for how to convert to desert-friendly landscaping. . "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. 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. Tasked the division with making state agency conservation data . LocalScapes target a revamped landscaping design for residents with reward money being distributed based on lot size and water savings. 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. 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. Doing so will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand homeowners can get cash for doing it. This rule is in place to follow local city ordinances. "What were looking at is when you only walk on it once a week (to mow it), you really shouldnt have that grass.". Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. Existing state facilities will need to cut outdoor water use 5% by 2023 and 25% by 2026, under H.B. Governor warns water restrictions could come early with 90% of Utah in extreme drought, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall issued a drought advisory. 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. "They have actually expressed even wanting to get rid of their grass so I think its been a positive thing.". Realistically, they wont bear fruit, or water, until 2023. Through state and district partnerships, eligible participants may receive up to $3 per square foot of lawn replaced with waterwise landscaping. About 70% of Utahs municipal water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass. 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. 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. Coming up with the right plan can be the ultimate challenge. If we can cut back on that, weve already had substantial savings. Whether if you are looking at the water conditions, we were facing last year. The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. If you have already killed or removed lawn, your application will be denied. "Instead of having a lot of grass, maybe only have 10% of your lawn be grass? A water conservation bill currently in the Legislature would also require the state to reduce outdoor water use. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? Like Cox, Ferry emphasized the critical factor of collaboration. The biggest hurdle will be selling lawmakers on the idea. 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. 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. Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. HB 121 also requires water conservation at state facilities. These requirements include waterwise landscape standards for new residential developments. 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. We have not put a lot of time and effort into our yard. In Jordan Valley's program, participation in the Flip Your Strip program is up 160% this year. SB 110 Requires a water use and preservation element to be part of a municipal or county general plan. Enter your email to be notified when new rebates and programs are offered in your area. So many Utahns are doing their part to save water, which is fantastic, but theres much more we can do.. 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. Washington County Water Conservancy District. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. It. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. 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. A previous version of this story incorrectly listed Rep. Val Petersons last name as Iverson. Clerk of the House. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The law does require you to have "living grass." Sign up for a free consultation to see how you can make your yard more water-efficient and Utah-friendly. Over 100 patients with brain tumors attended the same high school. This assessment has been folded into the, Many residential connections use secondary water for outside irrigation. 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.. Utah Gov. 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. Heres the one word you cant say in a room full of Republicans, 106 wild horses have died in Colorado. Were identifying acres and acres of turf that were going to be removing so we can conserve water. The program encourages waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only where theyre actively used. 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. Heres what to expect. "Were lush. 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. Last month, Ogden officials declared a moderate water shortage and providers of secondary water from Pineview warned of a potential early shutdown. 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. I want to flush my toilet, so Im willing to do my part. $19.20 - $22.80 hourly, 9 days ago Contractor And can he win? Drip systems must include filter and pressure regulators visible for inspection: Drip emitters must be rated at 5 gallons per hour or less. No, you must have living lawn in your park strip at the time of the pre-conversion visit. House/ received bill from Legislative Research. Following our visit, you will also receive a summary report including information . Secondary water is a water source thats not treated and non-potable. 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. The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. Spencer Cox announced the expansion of a statewide turf buyback program as one of four efforts to conserve water amid the megadrought. Most water providers have moved to a twice-a-week-only irrigation regimen and some are shutting down the season early, such as Davis and Weber Counties Canal Co., which will cease providing water in September. Roughly $100 million of that. Residents in these areas are eligible for rebates. The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. Humans have put the future of hippos at risk, Wests megadrought delivers another blow: Saving Glen Canyon Dam. We really want to use grass in places where it makes sense. Eight streams are flowing at record low conditions, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources. 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. 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. Let it go," the mayor said. We have a lot of grass around here that were starting to re-think and say, 'If you only use it to mow it? Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. Secondly, the owner has to be paid up and in good standing with their water provider. All new state facilities in Utah may be required to have less than 20% turf. Turf buyback programs like Jordan Valley's . State officials say don't start killing your lawn quite yet, though they encourage you to just do the bare minimum of recommended watering. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially signed key water legislation on Monday, April 18, 2022. Click here to sign in and see program availability. Municipal water use makes up about 15% of all water use in Utah. Cox discussed new policies his administration is hoping to push forward, like a buyback program for turf and secondary water metering. Download one of our easy park strip designs and start there. Call said this summer has jump-started fruitful discussions by residents on water conservation practices. (Utah State Capitol. The governor announced four focus areas the state will fast-track to further advance water conservation and water planning: Lt. Gov. 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. The goalis to plant grass in areas where it's actively used Review the eligibility tab to ensure that your project qualifies for a rebate. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. H.B. But the grass seed is designed to grow quickly in the . 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. Attend a park strip class. "We haven't gotten any rebates," Wilson said. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation as Lt. Gov. The way my yard looks is nowhere as important as it is for farmers to provide food for the state, Baker said. The programs are available to all eight counties within the districts coverage area and being funded at a half million dollars. The this is the Utah Legislatures passage of a dozen water-related bills and ensuing endorsement by Cox that transform them into law. 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. 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. 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. Thats a good first start.. 118 Water Efficient Landscaping Incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the popular "turf buyback" program. 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