Additional program rules will also require adoption of the following ordinance for a city to remain eligible for incentives: With the exception of Washington County, the statewide landscape rebate program will be facilitated through utahwatersavers.com. "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. It. Central Utah Water Conservancy District announced the launch of two new water conservation incentive programs: its own Flip Your Strip & Localscapes Rewards. We have a lot of grass around here that were starting to re-think and say, 'If you only use it to mow it? 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. To all those people who asked what are YOU going to do, this is the answer, Cox said. In cases where metering is already happening, the savings have been as much as 30%. 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. Review the eligibility tab to ensure that your project qualifies for a rebate. Should parents follow singer Pinks advice for kids and social media? Weve scoured the web for you and narrowed down a few of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas to make your planning easy. No, you must have living lawn in your park strip at the time of the pre-conversion visit. 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. 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. Weve taken the guesswork out of it for you with our ready-made plans. 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. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Were identifying acres and acres of turf that were going to be removing so we can conserve water. Communities are welcome and encouraged to add additional standards, based on local need. 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. Gov. 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. Deidre Henderson, Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District General Manager Bart Forsyth, Central Utah Water Conservancy District Water Conservation Manager Ricky Maloy and others attended the announcement at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy Districts Conservation Garden in West Jordan. 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. Qualifications: You must live in a qualifying city (see the list below). 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. $19.20 - $22.80 hourly, 9 days ago Contractor "Because its more work!". Lawn areas shall not exceed 50% of the total landscaped area for front and side yards.*. "It still has to be somewhat alive. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. Maybe its because our stories are so similar, I wasnt worried about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT. 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. 1/12/2022. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " program help incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. 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. 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. The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. Then theres how to pay for it. "What were looking at is when you only walk on it once a week (to mow it), you really shouldnt have that grass.". 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. 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. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. The agricultural sector accounts for about 75% of the states total water use. Photo: Kevin Cody. This assessment has been folded into the, Many residential connections use secondary water for outside irrigation. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. A list of eligible cities, information for communities interested in adopting water-efficient landscape policy and information about rebate applications can be found below. 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. Secondly, the owner has to be paid up and in good standing with their water provider. 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. We need to expand this over the next few years. Existing state facilities will need to cut outdoor water use 5% by 2023 and 25% by 2026, under H.B. Last month, Utah Gov. 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. 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? 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? Spencer Cox and Lt. The this is the Utah Legislatures passage of a dozen water-related bills and ensuing endorsement by Cox that transform them into law. 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. 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! We have seen significant water reductions in every water district across the state, Cox said, lauding the efforts of the public and water managers. Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of Utahs municipal and industrial water use. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? SALT LAKE CITY The Utah State Legislature is considering bills to encourage people get rid of "non-functional turf" and block cities and HOAs from requiring lawns. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. To install SLC Turf Trade, you will have to kill your existing lawn. We have a couple of fires burning right now, but theyre 90% under control. 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. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation as Lt. Gov. Following our visit, you will also receive a summary report including information . Weber County Commissioner Gage Froerer said the move was in response to a countywide conservation plan. Tasked the division with making state agency conservation data . Drip systems must include filter and pressure regulators visible for inspection: Drip emitters must be rated at 5 gallons per hour or less. If your community does not currently qualify for rebates, contact your elected municipal representative and encourage them to adopt qualifying landscape standards. and establishing a statewide turf buyback program. The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. 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. "Youve got a lot of churches with lots and lots of lush, grass that nobody even steps on. 12 arrested during All-Star Weekend for soliciting minors, Park City woman's car crushed by fallen ice at Kimball Junction Smith's, Prospector Square struggles with snow removal, illegal dumping, Utah's first auto restraint chairlift opens at Deer Valley Resort, 2-hour delayed start for Park City School District due to weather, FullTime Social Practitioner, SUMMIT COUNTY CLUBHOUSE, Adventure Camp Site Director- Park City, UT, YMCA of Northern Utah, Retail Sales Associate, Crosby Collection, ON CALL WAREHOUSE AND DELIVERY STAFF , Wild Events, L.A. Theatre Works Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom, Pi Day Celebration at Mathnasium of Park City, Snowy winter speeds drought recovery but Utahs not in the clear, Median snowpack water equivalent surpasses 2022s highest peak, Above-average snowpack levels are starting to make an impact in Utahs severe drought areas, Western US cities to remove decorative grass amid drought, Over 50% of Utah still in extreme drought even with above-average early-season snowpacks, Utah DNR marks the end of the water year with a new drought update. "It just cant be a dirt patch.". The bill passed on the 3rd reading and will now be considered in the House. Utahs 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water conservation bills and appropriations totaling nearly $500 million in spending. The goalis to plant grass in areas where it's actively used "Instead of having a lot of grass, maybe only have 10% of your lawn be grass? With upward of 70% of municipal and industrial water used for outdoor landscaping, Cox said it is past time for the state and cities to aggressively embrace water-saving strategies. Submit completion photos of your project online. Across the state there are multiple cities that have enacted various restrictions or taken other measures to cope with the effects of this drought. This year, though, Utah became the first in the nation to implement a statewide turf buyback program. 350 North State, Suite 320 PO Box 145115 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114; Telephone: (801) 538-1408 https://senate.utah.gov; Contact a Senator Everybody thinks about grass and gardens, but there are a lot of other uses too, he said. Sign up for a free consultation to see how you can make your yard more water-efficient and Utah-friendly. Roughly $100 million of that. The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy. 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. 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. All rights reserved. Weve been lucky, but this is a direct response to peoples behavior, he said. The 2023 legislative session is also shaping up to be another year of water investment. HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide rebate program. 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. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. Last month, Ogden officials declared a moderate water shortage and providers of secondary water from Pineview warned of a potential early shutdown. 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! The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. Secondary water is a water source thats not treated and non-potable. Governor Deidre Henderson, South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey, Central Utah Water conservation manager Rick Maloy and Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District general manager Bart Forsyth. Eight streams are flowing at record low conditions, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources. The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. 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. Utah is the fastest growing state in the nation, growing 18.4% over the past decade compared to the national average of 7.4%. Did the Utah Legislature do enough to save the Great Salt Lake? 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. This article about skijoring is sponsored by the Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. 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. Spencer J. Cox joined water officials from around the state to highlight current conservation efforts and outline measures needed to plan for Utahs water future. #utleg #utpol . About 70% of Utahs municipal water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass. The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. State Facility Water Conservation (HB121), Washington County Water Conservancy District site. 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. H.B. Concrete areas do not qualify for a square foot rebate, but pavers, bricks, stone, and other permeable materials are permitted. LocalScapes target a revamped landscaping design for residents with reward money being distributed based on lot size and water savings. It's something Kari said she encourages. But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. 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. It is also being offered at Weber Basin Water Conservancy District because Layton City adopted via an ordinance the institution of the program. Thats ambitious, but Cox may have his work cut out for him if he wants to implement it on a statewide level. One idea being considered to get Washington County residents to change their outdoor watering habits is paying people to kill their lawns. "When a lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained. 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. The idea is very preliminary, but it would offer money to help people get over the hurdle of new landscaping. Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. While the winter overflow system in Salt Lake County has been expanded this winter, the availability of beds has been a consistent issue. 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