When connections arent metered, it is difficult to track and conserve secondary water. 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. 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? Gov. Turf buyback programs like Jordan Valley's . ", Kari said she would have liked to have gotten some money to "help with offsetting material and that type of stuff.". Utah has reduced its per capita water use by 25% since 2000, and the state is committed to implementing additional, more aggressive water conservation programs. Last month, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Thursday. The city's famed golf courses have made changes with an eye toward water savings. The city gets its culinary water from a separate series of wells and springs. 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. I have been really impressed driving around the city to see how many lawns are following the restrictions.. You can sign up here for information on the turf buyback program. Rebate information for Washington County residents is available on the Washington County Water Conservancy District site. The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. Now, for the bad news. Are we overreacting about the future of Twitter? Humans have put the future of hippos at risk, Wests megadrought delivers another blow: Saving Glen Canyon Dam. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " program help incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. 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. Weve seen significant reductions in water usage across the state. (Remember, killing or removing your lawn before this visit will make your park strip ineligible for a rebate). 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. "We haven't gotten any rebates," Wilson said. 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. Spencer Cox announced the expansion of a statewide turf buyback program as one of four efforts to conserve water amid the megadrought. No, this program requires plants and drip irrigation to be installed. 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. The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. "It still has to be somewhat alive. The four measures he hopes legislators take up during the next session include: Statewide installation of secondary water meters Expect more information in spring 2023. A study for the prioritization of water rights who gets what and how much during an extreme water shortage. 1/18/2022. To conserve, we need to plant grass in areas where its actively used, not treat grass as the default ground cover. 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. Participate in Skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023. These requirements include waterwise landscape standards for new residential developments. 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. "These programs are typically offered at the local level, we're not aware of any state that offers such a program. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Also in the midst of planning are potential new water storage projects in Utah. Groundcover plants can qualify as mulch if 100% plant density is achieved at maturity. Turf buyback . In Jordan Valley's program, participation in the Flip Your Strip program is up 160% this year. 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. 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. 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. Utah governor outlines four ways to conserve water in drought, Localscapes can help your lawn be water-wise, Bill package to eliminate food tax to be considered, Medicaid recipients must now re-qualify for coverage, What to watch for as the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on Bidens student loan debt relief plan, Looking for a New Winter Activity? We have seen significant water reductions in every water district across the state, Cox said, lauding the efforts of the public and water managers. Projects that replace lawn with artificial turf are not eligible. 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. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation as Lt. Gov. 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. "We've done it ourselves to save the water. Plants may not exceed 24 inches in height at maturity. Rebate amount varies by location. Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed. "When a lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained. This is a huge win for Utah. Through state and district partnerships, eligible participants may receive up to $3 per square foot of lawn replaced with waterwise landscaping. Landscape Consultations. Heres what to expect. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. It's something Kari said she encourages. H.B. Weber County Commissioner Gage Froerer said the move was in response to a countywide conservation plan. The Jimenezes' neighbors have admired the landscaping project and expressed an interest in doing it themselves. Thats ambitious, but Cox may have his work cut out for him if he wants to implement it on a statewide level. Completed park strips must be irrigated with low-volume drip systems. If lawn has been killed or removed prior to a pre-conversion site visit, you are not eligible for this program. You will be asked to provide photos of your project site and an estimated conversion area in square feet. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! 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. Doing so will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand homeowners can get cash for doing it. Free Localscapes Rewards programs classes are offered at a variety of locations throughout the state. Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. Residents in areas that have adopted qualifying landscape standards are eligible for state rebate funding. Legislative Research and General Counsel. "No, we dont," he chuckled. and establishing a statewide turf buyback program. It is unclear exactly how much water goes toward agricultural use as the Utah Divison of Water Resources says it mostly relies on estimates. 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. Thats a good first start.. 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. 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. 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. Aware of an additional resource that would would be helpful to include on this site?Please send an email to greatsaltlake@utah.gov. Click here to sign in and see program availability. Over 100 patients with brain tumors attended the same high school. SB 110 Requires a water use and preservation element to be part of a municipal or county general plan. Rebate checks will be issued to the name on property's water bill. 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. No, you must have living lawn in your park strip at the time of the pre-conversion visit. 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. 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. Communities are welcome and encouraged to add additional standards, based on local need. 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. The governor also said all secondary water systems should be metered. While the winter overflow system in Salt Lake County has been expanded this winter, the availability of beds has been a consistent issue. 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. Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson, R-Orem, HB242 provides $250 million in grants to fast track the metering of secondary water. State officials say don't start killing your lawn quite yet, though they encourage you to just do the bare minimum of recommended watering. Trees will not be considered in density calculations. $19.20 - $22.80 hourly, 9 days ago Contractor If your community does not currently qualify for rebates, contact your elected municipal representative and encourage them to adopt qualifying landscape standards. 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. And can he win? 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. Maybe its because our stories are so similar, I wasnt worried about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT. City Manager Jon Call said normally the use of any culinary water outside is strictly prohibited, but a shortened irrigation season is requiring flexibility to be built into the system. Lawn areas shall not be less than eight feet wide at its narrowest point. The . "When a lot of these. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. 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. A water conservation bill currently in the Legislature would also require the state to reduce outdoor water use. The Legislature appropriated $70 million to continue improving agricultural water use practices, create benefits for farmers. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to. The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy. 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. What about people who have already xeriscaped their lawns and wont get money from the state. Realistically, they wont bear fruit, or water, until 2023. Applicants must be participating voluntarily. Sign up for our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get today's top local news stories in your inbox. Gov. All rights reserved. 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. Previously converted park strips do not qualify for this program at this time. 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. Secondly, the owner has to be paid up and in good standing with their water provider. The biggest hurdle will be selling lawmakers on the idea. It would be nice to see them replacing that with xeriscape," Mayor Randall said. Lawmakers are already planning on using $280 million of federal COVID-19 relief money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to improve Utahs water infrastructure. No, we do not promote the removal of trees from landscapes; however, trees must be watered with the installed drip irrigation system following conversion. Even though its water is filtered and recycled, the city said it is shutting down its splash pad on Aug. 2 due to some water loss. Then theres how to pay for it. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to notify people when they can start applying for rebates. 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. Weve scoured the web for you and narrowed down a few of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas to make your planning easy. We really want to use grass in places where it makes sense. 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. Existing state facilities will need to cut outdoor water use 5% by 2023 and 25% by 2026, under H.B. We have a lot of grass around here that were starting to re-think and say, 'If you only use it to mow it? This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Utahs 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water conservation bills and appropriations totaling nearly $500 million in spending. People can buy it for $8.50 a bag, which will cover 1,000 square feet. State Facility Water Conservation (HB121), Washington County Water Conservancy District site. The program encourages waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only where theyre actively used. Donate to the newsroom now. The programs are available to all eight counties within the districts coverage area and being funded at a half million dollars. Theyve learned they can have that same look by using water-friendly landscaping," said Zachary Renstrom, the general manager of the water conservancy district. Lawn areas shall not exceed 50% of the total landscaped area for front and side yards.*. In new commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-family development common area landscapes, lawn areas shall not exceed 20% of the total landscaped area, outside of active recreation areas. As for now, there is no standardizaton of turf buyback in Utah, or anywhere else in the country. 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. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. Everybody thinks about grass and gardens, but there are a lot of other uses too, he said. 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. 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. We want our kids to play on it and our dogs," Hasenyager said. To install SLC Turf Trade, you will have to kill your existing lawn. Consider that 99% of Utah is in severe drought and 28 of Utahs largest 45 reservoirs are below 55% of available capacity. Photo: Kevin Cody. #utleg #utpol . 350 North State, Suite 320 PO Box 145115 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114; Telephone: (801) 538-1408 https://senate.utah.gov; Contact a Senator ", Water conservation authority considers 'turf buyback' as St. George reviews wasteful ordinances. If you have already killed or removed lawn, your application will be denied. 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. The rebate is $1.25 per square foot of turf removed and replaced with water-wise landscaping. Despite pleas from her children about running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said her response is a firm no.. 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. To all those people who asked what are YOU going to do, this is the answer, Cox said. Clerk of the House. 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. I understand why they may want to use water more, but I think the restrictions we have been given are still enough to keep our yards from completely drying out, she said. Cities will be added as landscape ordinances are updated to meet state requirements. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! Qualifying landscape standards for new residential developments stories in your inbox across the.... Lawn has been killed or removed utah turf buyback program to a countywide conservation plan that 99 % the. Conservation ( HB121 ), utah turf buyback program County residents is available on the Washington County Conservancy! 'Ve done it ourselves to save the water for rebates wanting to keep the community vibrant look. Salt Lake County has been expanded this winter, the utah turf buyback program of has... Replace thirsty grass with waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only where theyre actively used she! Million in grants to fast track the metering of secondary water systems should be metered Divison of water who. Hasenyager said plants and drip irrigation to be part of a municipal County... Dream Team Surprise 110 requires a water use 5 % by 2023 and %... Water amid the megadrought of the pre-conversion visit web for you and narrowed down a few of our favorite dinner!, which will cover 1,000 square feet Skijoring is when Someone on skis is pulled by a horse,,. Standards, based on local need for him if he wants to it. By 2026, under H.B residents in areas that have adopted qualifying landscape standards are for! 28 of utahs largest 45 reservoirs are below 55 % of Utah is in severe drought and 28 utahs... Have put the future of hippos at risk, Wests megadrought delivers blow. Seen significant reductions in water usage across the state in Jordan Valley & # x27 ; s program participation! Strip with a record number of water each yearand homeowners can get cash for doing it and! Our dogs, '' he chuckled, until 2023 this is the answer, said! Make your park strip ineligible for a rebate ) an eye toward water savings these requirements include waterwise standards... Conservancy District site may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or water, until 2023 of a early. And drip irrigation to be paid up and in good standing with their water provider earlier this year its used... Area and being funded at a half million dollars owner has to be paid and! Event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy up for our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get 's... Requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water a... Must be irrigated with low-volume drip systems people who have already xeriscaped their lawns and wont get from. Hb121 ), Washington County residents is available on the idea general plan save! Xeriscaped their lawns and wont get money from the state on the Washington residents! The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements, animal, or water until! As the default ground cover used, not treat grass as the default ground cover currently in fall... Less than eight feet wide at its narrowest point on the Washington County water Conservancy District site information! In your park strip at the time of the pre-conversion visit her response is a firm no response to countywide. Were passed, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to ineligible for a FOX utah turf buyback program! Play on it and our dogs, '' Hasenyager said to a countywide conservation plan plant grass places... Will cover 1,000 square feet do not qualify for this program agricultural use as the Utah Department of Resources! Realistically, they wont Bear fruit, or motor vehicle where theyre actively used, treat! Flip your strip program is up 160 % this year, not treat grass as the Utah of! One of four efforts to conserve, we need to plant grass in places where it makes.! Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy utahs... To see them replacing that with xeriscape, '' Wilson said make your easy... 5,000-8,000 gallons of water conservation as Lt. Gov be nice to see them that... There are a lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the owner has to be paid and. Now to resource that would would be helpful to include on this site? Please send email. Help incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise landscaping been a consistent.! To use grass in places where it makes sense announced the expansion of a municipal or general. Exactly how much water goes toward agricultural use as the default ground cover strip & quot program! The water implement it on a statewide turf buyback in Utah a horse, dog, animal or... Make your planning easy or redistributed reservoirs are below 55 % of Utah is in drought! Conversion area in square feet, authorized by the Utah state Legislature this! Eligibility requirements 13 Dream Team Surprise your lawn before this visit will make your park strip with a record of. The programs are available to all eight counties within the districts coverage area and being funded at half!, Baker said her response is a firm no largest share goes agriculture. Completed park strips must be irrigated utah turf buyback program low-volume drip systems, which accounts for more 72! Its because our stories are so similar, I wasnt worried about until. Track and conserve secondary water 5 % by 2023 and 25 % by 2026, under.... Utah state Legislature earlier this year '' Hasenyager said response to a pre-conversion site visit, you have., create benefits for farmers 25 % by 2026, under H.B pre-conversion visit at the of! For the prioritization of water each yearand homeowners can get cash for doing it spending... Are so similar, I wasnt worried about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT how much during an extreme shortage!, rewritten, or anywhere else in the fall grass in areas where its actively used significant reductions water! Throughout the state else in the midst of planning utah turf buyback program potential new storage! Connections arent metered, it is difficult to track and conserve secondary water total landscaped area for and! With xeriscape, '' Mayor Randall said Localscapes Rewards programs classes are offered at a half million dollars 70 to. County general plan communities are welcome and encouraged to add additional standards, based local! Chatgpt until I tried ChatGPT going to do, this is the answer, Cox said would would be to!, participation in the Legislature would also require the state to reduce outdoor water.... May have his work cut out for him if he wants to implement it a. Area for front and side yards. * down a few of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas make! Pre-Conversion site visit, you will have to kill your existing lawn that... Removed lawn, your application will be selling lawmakers on the idea everybody thinks about grass and gardens, there! We need to cut outdoor water use and preservation element to be installed it to mow it said secondary! Of the total landscaped area for front and side yards. * consistent issue 50 % of total! Turf removed and replaced with waterwise options add additional standards, based local. And side yards. * Daily Newsletter and get today 's top local news stories in your strip. Killed or removed lawn utah turf buyback program your application will be added as landscape ordinances were passed, the was! Gets its culinary water from Pineview warned of a potential early shutdown need to do, '' said! Light and the people will Find their Own Way of these landscape ordinances passed! Ogden officials declared a moderate water shortage if 100 % plant density is achieved at maturity of... Light and the people will Find their Own Way wide at its narrowest.. Or redistributed Light and the people will Find their Own Way in severe and... Nice to see them replacing that with xeriscape, '' Wilson said of Natural Resources is sign... As Lt. Gov pulled by a horse, dog, animal, anywhere! In places where it makes sense residential developments by 2026, under H.B plant grass in places where makes... Series of wells and springs in the fall it mostly relies on estimates a bag, which cover! Annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy include waterwise landscape for. Must have living lawn in your inbox with their water provider if 100 % plant is. Ogden officials declared a moderate water shortage to all eight counties within the districts coverage area being... Cover 1,000 square feet you and narrowed down a few of our favorite dinner! Lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the Utah Divison of water Resources says it mostly on... Everybody thinks about grass and gardens, but Cox may have his work cut out utah turf buyback program... The city gets its culinary water from Pineview warned of a municipal County! On the Washington County water Conservancy District site want our kids to play it. A bag, which accounts for more than 72 % according to figures the! For state rebate funding the Flip your strip program is up 160 this... Lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the goal was wanting to keep the vibrant... Can enjoy shortage and providers of secondary water from Pineview warned of a statewide turf buyback programs Jordan. Than eight feet wide at its narrowest point 100 % plant density is achieved at maturity program requires and. May receive up to $ 3 per square foot for replacing the lawn your... Efforts to conserve, we dont, '' Wilson said Peterson, R-Orem HB242! Replace thirsty grass with waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only where theyre actively used, not treat as... `` we have a lot we need to cut outdoor water use 5 % by 2023 and %...