This Application collects some Personal Data from its Users. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. It is unclear exactly how much water goes toward agricultural use as the Utah Divison of Water Resources says it mostly relies on estimates. To conserve, we need to plant grass in areas where its actively used, not treat grass as the default ground cover. If landscape fabric is used (not recommended), it must be permeable to water and air. Raising Our Political IQ. Should parents follow singer Pinks advice for kids and social media? The Legislature appropriated $70 million to continue improving agricultural water use practices, create benefits for farmers. 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. 1/10/2022. The state is facing critical long-term reliable water supply issues. 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. Request a pre-conversion site visit. All rights reserved. Turf buyback . Increase your curb appeal, reduce water use, and get money back when you participate in the Flip Your Strip rebate program. Riverdale in Weber County recently reported its aquifer had dropped 17 feet since May 1 and water conservation goals fell way short of what authorities had hoped. Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. 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. If you have already killed or removed lawn, your application will be denied. Gov. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. 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. ", Water conservation authority considers 'turf buyback' as St. George reviews wasteful ordinances. The state passed a bill trying to change that. Doing so will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand homeowners can get cash for doing it. 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. 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. Realistically, they wont bear fruit, or water, until 2023. Sign up for our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get today's top local news stories in your inbox. The program encourages waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only where theyre actively used. If we can cut back on that, weve already had substantial 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. Utah wants to be the first and is working to expand this program statewide. For North Ogden resident Chelsea Baker, her family is taking the restrictions in stride. Like Cox, Ferry emphasized the critical factor of collaboration. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. 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. 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. "Youve got a lot of churches with lots and lots of lush, grass that nobody even steps on. Its saving water," she said. a. The city gets its culinary water from a separate series of wells and springs. "When a lot of these. . In addition to urging Utahns to continue to conserve water, Gov. Landscape Consultations. Cash rewards and plan reviews will be given for landscaping projects that meet program . What about people who have already xeriscaped their lawns and wont get money from the state. 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. Let it go," the mayor said. 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. 54 is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate the sales tax on food purchased in the state. 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. 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. 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. Qualifications: You must live in a qualifying city (see the list below). Whether if you are looking at the water conditions, we were facing last year. 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 St. George couple did not get any rebates or incentives to do it, but spent the past two years slowly replacing their lawn because they wanted to conserve water. 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. You will be asked to provide photos of your project site and an estimated conversion area in square feet. Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. Unpaid water bills will disqualify applicants from the Flip Your Strip program. Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of Utahs municipal and industrial water use. 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! Against the backdrop of a half-full Jordanelle Reservoir, Cox and Lt. Gov. 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. "They have actually expressed even wanting to get rid of their grass so I think its been a positive thing.". This bill appropriated $250 million in. This is generational.. In cases where metering is already happening, the savings have been as much as 30%. While noting that turf buyback programs like Jordan Valleys Flip Your Strip are local-centric, Cox said he wants Utah to be the first state in the nation to implement its own. The bill passed on the 3rd reading and will now be considered in the House. But the bill also requires the state to take steps to conserve water. "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. Bubblers, micro-spray emitters and soaker hoses are not allowed. 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. "What were looking at is when you only walk on it once a week (to mow it), you really shouldnt have that grass.". How do we make that fair? Sandall asked. Read all of our stories atgreatsaltlakenews.org. This assessment has been folded into the, Many residential connections use secondary water for outside irrigation. The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Existing state facilities will need to cut outdoor water use 5% by 2023 and 25% by 2026, under H.B. Statewide turf buyback program Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of our municipaland industrial water use. Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. 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. This program would be for front yards, back yards or any other "non-functional" grass. 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. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? These types of programs have traditionally been offered at the local level. You still have a place where neighbors can congregate and stand and have that feel, but the entire front lawn isnt grass," Renstrom said. Attend a park strip class. Last year was pretty stressful, said Brian Steed with the Department of Natural Resources. I want to flush my toilet, so Im willing to do my part. (Utah State Capitol. $16.00 hourly. Following our visit, you will also receive a summary report including information . "Were lush. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The agricultural sector accounts for about 75% of the states total water use. If your community does not currently qualify for rebates, contact your elected municipal representative and encourage them to adopt qualifying landscape standards. 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. 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. Then theres how to pay for it. We have a lot of grass around here that were starting to re-think and say, 'If you only use it to mow it? "We've done it ourselves to save the water. Bill Numbered but not Distributed. With Utah being the second driest state in the nation and in the grip of a protracted drought, Cox said all new development should be accompanied by waterwise landscaping and cites should shelve ordinances that require curbside turf or other mandates. 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. All new state facilities in Utah may be required to have less than 20% turf. We need to expand this over the next few years. Utah is the fastest growing state in the nation, growing 18.4% over the past decade compared to the national average of 7.4%. BLM says its because of a killer cocktail of factors. Theres not much more the state can do about the drought in the short term. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? To all those people who asked what are YOU going to do, this is the answer, Cox 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. The rebate is $1.25 per square foot of turf removed and replaced with water-wise landscaping. "When a lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained. 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. The 2023 legislative session is also shaping up to be another year of water investment. Rebate checks will be issued to the name on property's water bill. Sixty percent of our municipal water goes toward outdoor watering. 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. Submit completion photos of your project online. 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. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. Under Flip Your Strip, $1 per square foot is offered or $1.25 per square foot if a free park strip class is attended. 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. 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. I want to have a shower. Call said this summer has jump-started fruitful discussions by residents on water conservation practices. Coxs proposal is similar to the Flip Your Strip initiative offered by the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District which offers homeowners a financial incentive to replace the grass on parking strips with water-wise landscaping. While the winter overflow system in Salt Lake County has been expanded this winter, the availability of beds has been a consistent issue. To register visit. The federal government stopped states from removing people from Medicaid during the pandemic, but that's changing now. The Jimenezes have already recorded some water savings. Taller plants block views, impede safety, and can interfere with city maintenance. "As a city? 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 idea is very preliminary, but it would offer money to help people get over the hurdle of new landscaping. Rebate information for Washington County residents is available on the Washington County Water Conservancy District site. 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. 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