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. House/ received bill from Legislative Research. To all those people who asked what are YOU going to do, this is the answer, Cox said. The state passed a bill trying to change that. No, we do not promote the removal of trees from landscapes; however, trees must be watered with the installed drip irrigation system following conversion. Have a story idea or tip? People can buy it for $8.50 a bag, which will cover 1,000 square feet. The Jimenezes have already recorded some water savings. 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. The city's famed golf courses have made changes with an eye toward water savings. Submit completion photos of your project online. Last year was pretty stressful, said Brian Steed with the Department of Natural Resources. Really to have the state government setting the example on water-wise use in our landscaping, said Rep. Robert Spendlove. Personal Data: various types of Data as specified in the privacy policy of the service. 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. Drip systems must include filter and pressure regulators visible for inspection: Drip emitters must be rated at 5 gallons per hour or less. You can register at UtahWaterSavers.com and plug in your address, finding local discounts on things like smart controllers for sprinkler systems, low-flow toilets and discounts on landscaping. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? 118 Water Efficient Landscaping Incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the popular "turf buyback" program. Were identifying acres and acres of turf that were going to be removing so we can conserve water. Park strips must be currently landscaped with living, well-maintained lawn. Sign up for a free consultation to see how you can make your yard more water-efficient and Utah-friendly. 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.. "Im trying to do my part and set the example," the mayor said in a recent interview with FOX 13. The governor also said all secondary water systems should be metered. Wilson Jimenez said he doesn't miss mowing it. Cash rewards and plan reviews will be given for landscaping projects that meet program . Washington County Water Conservancy District. It. We have seen significant water reductions in every water district across the state, Cox said, lauding the efforts of the public and water managers. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. The program will follow Central Utah Water Conservancy District, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy, and Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, which all offer similar programs in their territories. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall issued a drought advisory in late March, looking ahead to what was predicted to be an unprecedented drought year. We have a couple of fires burning right now, but theyre 90% under control. Residents in these areas are eligible for rebates. You have 6 months after your application to complete your park strip project. Localscapes is an approach to landscaping designed specifically for Utah. LocalScapes target a revamped landscaping design for residents with reward money being distributed based on lot size and water savings. So many Utahns are doing their part to save water, which is fantastic, but theres much more we can do.. When connections arent metered, it is difficult to track and conserve secondary water. The biggest hurdle will be selling lawmakers on the idea. Turf buyback programs like Jordan Valley's . The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. In addition to urging Utahns to continue to conserve water, Gov. 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? 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. 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. Despite pleas from her children about running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said her response is a firm no.. Expect more information in spring 2023. . The federal government stopped states from removing people from Medicaid during the pandemic, but that's changing now. 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. The Washington County Water Conservancy District offers tips for how to convert to desert-friendly landscaping. With 100% of the state experiencing drought conditions, Gov. 54 is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate the sales tax on food purchased in the state. Bill Numbered but not Distributed. This bill appropriated $250 million in. (Remember, killing or removing your lawn before this visit will make your park strip ineligible for a rebate). 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. Enter your email to be notified when new rebates and programs are offered in your area. 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. By switching out grass that isn't used, Utahns can conserve significant amounts of water. 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. Further information can be found on the states website. The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District created a site that tracks rebates that can be offered. You will be asked to provide photos of your project site and an estimated conversion area in square feet. 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. 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. Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here. 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. Plants may not exceed 24 inches in height at maturity. If landscape fabric is used (not recommended), it must be permeable to water and air. Weve scoured the web for you and narrowed down a few of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas to make your planning easy. Existing state facilities will need to cut outdoor water use 5% by 2023 and 25% by 2026, under H.B. You read that right, Why theres not much room for optimism with Utah water supplies, Saving the otherworldly place of Utahs declining inland sea, The Deseret News is on a journey to help the Great Salt Lake. Rebate checks will be made payable to the property owner. Download one of our easy park strip designs and start there. We have not put a lot of time and effort into our yard. Did the Utah Legislature do enough to save the Great Salt Lake? "It just cant be a dirt patch.". Landscape Consultations. Will Mitt Romney seek re-election in 2024? The 2023 legislative session is also shaping up to be another year of water investment. . However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to. Communities outside of a partner water districts service area, including unincorporated areas, should work with the division. The four measures he hopes legislators take up during the next session include: Statewide installation of secondary water meters "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. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. But the bill also requires the state to take steps to conserve water. Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson, R-Orem, HB242 provides $250 million in grants to fast track the metering of secondary water. Clerk of the House. Read all of our stories atgreatsaltlakenews.org. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints new temple location, Opinion: How to handle the final game of your childs basketball career, No deal on bill to eliminate signature gathering, bill yanked from committee, Proposal would give first-time Utah homebuyers $20,000, Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes, All-Star Weekend sting operation leads to child exploitation arrests. I can tell you that other states are looking at Utah very jealously right now. Is there a connection? Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed. It would be nice to see them replacing that with xeriscape," Mayor Randall said. Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. Utah wants to be the first and is working to expand this program statewide. Over 100 patients with brain tumors attended the same high school. Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. Sixty percent of our municipal water goes toward outdoor watering. The legislature allocated $5 million in incentives across the state. Rep. Joel Ferrys HB33 is another significant piece of legislation that grew out of the session and designates, for the first time in the history of the state, the bed of the Great Salt Lake essentially the lake itself as a beneficial use for water rights. It is also being offered at Weber Basin Water Conservancy District because Layton City adopted via an ordinance the institution of the program. Projects required by governmental codes or policy are not eligible for this program. 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. 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. ST. GEORGE, Utah Mayor Michele Randall's backyard is turning brown and she's OK with it. Let it go," the mayor said. Some towns are already out of water, such as Echo in Summit County which has been forced to truck in drinking water from Henefer. "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. The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy. Secondly, the owner has to be paid up and in good standing with their water provider. Request a pre-conversion site visit. Through state and district partnerships, eligible participants may receive up to $3 per square foot of lawn replaced with waterwise landscaping. "Grass is not the enemy. Very low water levels at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County are pictured after Gov. "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. 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! Metering all secondary water systems, continuing work with farmers and ranchers to reduce water consumption and starting a statewide turf buyback program are all steps Utah needs to take to be more waterwise, Gov. No matter what Cox proposes, there wont be any impact in the near term. 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. Legislative Research and General Counsel. Cox discussed new policies his administration is hoping to push forward, like a buyback program for turf and secondary water metering. Across the state there are multiple cities that have enacted various restrictions or taken other measures to cope with the effects of this drought. 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. 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. New study says worst in 1,200 years. The nations first statewide turf buy back program in which homeowners will be compensated for the turf they rip out and replace with water-wise landscaping. The goalis to plant grass in areas where it's actively used I have been really impressed driving around the city to see how many lawns are following the restrictions.. Whether if you are looking at the water conditions, we were facing last year. This rule is in place to follow local city ordinances. We have a lot of grass around here that were starting to re-think and say, 'If you only use it to mow it? Legislative Research and General Counsel. Rebate checks will be issued to the name on property's water bill. Central Utah Water Conservancy District announced the launch of two new water conservation incentive programs: its own Flip Your Strip & Localscapes Rewards. The idea is very preliminary, but it would offer money to help people get over the hurdle of new landscaping. The passage of this legislation makes it the first ever statewide program of its kind. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. Heres the one word you cant say in a room full of Republicans, 106 wild horses have died in Colorado. Most secondary water is used for agriculture or irrigation. The law does require you to have "living grass." Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The city gets its culinary water from a separate series of wells and springs. One idea being considered to get Washington County residents to change their outdoor watering habits is paying people to kill their lawns. Click here to sign in and see program availability. In Jordan Valleys program, participation in the Flip Your Strip program is up 160% this year. Increase your curb appeal, reduce water use, and get money back when you participate in the Flip Your Strip rebate program. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. 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