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. Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. State Facility Water Conservation (HB121), Washington County Water Conservancy District site. "Grass is not the enemy. This year, Im getting quite nervous as we have had multiple months without the water we need.. Also attending are, from left, Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Lt. But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. Sign up for a free consultation to see how you can make your yard more water-efficient and Utah-friendly. 1/12/2022. Through state and district partnerships, eligible participants may receive up to $3 per square foot of lawn replaced with waterwise landscaping. 1/18/2022. HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide. Weve been lucky, but this is a direct response to peoples behavior, he said. Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. 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. 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. 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. Did the Utah Legislature do enough to save the Great Salt Lake? By switching out grass that isn't used, Utahns can conserve significant amounts of water. Roughly $100 million of that. New study says worst in 1,200 years. Increase your curb appeal, reduce water use, and get money back when you participate in the Flip Your Strip rebate program. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to notify people when they can start applying for rebates. Request a pre-conversion site visit. 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. Let it go," the mayor said. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! To register visit. No, you must have living lawn in your park strip at the time of the pre-conversion visit. Gov. Weber County Commissioner Gage Froerer said the move was in response to a countywide conservation plan. $16.00 hourly. The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. 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. Like Cox, Ferry emphasized the critical factor of collaboration. She understands that homeowners who have invested a lot of time, money and sweat into having perfect landscaping may be dismayed. People can buy it for $8.50 a bag, which will cover 1,000 square feet. Despite pleas from her children about running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said her response is a firm no.. Communities outside of a partner water districts service area, including unincorporated areas, should work with the division. The state is facing critical long-term reliable water supply issues. The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. TownLift is a web and mobile-based Entertainment & News media outlet providing Park City and Summit County Utah with Breaking Local News & Community Updates. A previous version of this story incorrectly listed Rep. Val Petersons last name as Iverson. 121. 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. a. These types of programs are typically offered at the local level. 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. SALT LAKE CITY Most of Utahs municipal water goes outdoors about 70 percent. I want to have a nice drink of water. How do we make that fair? Sandall asked. Qualifications: You must live in a qualifying city (see the list below). Residents in these areas are eligible for rebates. During the 2022 legislative session, the Division of Water Resources received $5 million to implement a statewide grass replacement rebate program. Localscapes is an approach to landscaping designed specifically for Utah. One idea being considered to get Washington County residents to change their outdoor watering habits is paying people to kill their lawns. Unpaid water bills will disqualify applicants from the Flip Your Strip program. The Jimenezes have already recorded some water savings. All Rights Reserved, How can people save water in drought? 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. Stay in the loop when you subscribe for free. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " program help incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. Information on the district-level programs and others can be found on the Utah Water Savers site. 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. Very low water levels at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County are pictured after Gov. The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. Rebate amount varies by location. This bill is one I would consider generationally one of the most important pieces of legislation that you will see, he said. 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. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? New developments in the area have prohibited turf lawns or kept them small. 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. I want to flush my toilet, so Im willing to do my part. "Im trying to do my part and set the example," the mayor said in a recent interview with FOX 13. In Jordan Valleys program, participation in the Flip Your Strip program is up 160% this year. It is unclear exactly how much water goes toward agricultural use as the Utah Divison of Water Resources says it mostly relies on estimates. In addition to urging Utahns to continue to conserve water, Gov. 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. Will Mitt Romney seek re-election in 2024? The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax 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 program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. 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. Are we overreacting about the future of Twitter? The legislature allocated $5 million in incentives across the state. Tasked the division with making state agency conservation data . This assessment has been folded into the, Many residential connections use secondary water for outside irrigation. "These programs are typically offered at the local level, we're not aware of any state that offers such a program. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. 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. The way my yard looks is nowhere as important as it is for farmers to provide food for the state, Baker said. 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. If we can cut back on that, weve already had substantial savings. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. 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. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. 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. If your community does not currently qualify for rebates, contact your elected municipal representative and encourage them to adopt qualifying landscape standards. Drip systems must include filter and pressure regulators visible for inspection: Drip emitters must be rated at 5 gallons per hour or less. Then theres how to pay for it. 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? 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. Applicants must be participating voluntarily. 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. Program funding is available statewide. 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. 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. 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. It is also being offered at Weber Basin Water Conservancy District because Layton City adopted via an ordinance the institution of the program. Park strips must be currently landscaped with living, well-maintained lawn. 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. 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. What is skijoring? Eight streams are flowing at record low conditions, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources. In cases where metering is already happening, the savings have been as much as 30%. 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. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation as Lt. Gov. 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.. I can tell you that other states are looking at Utah very jealously right now. Heres the one word you cant say in a room full of Republicans, 106 wild horses have died in Colorado. 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. 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. #utleg #utpol . 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. has said it has enough water to get through this year, but plans are being made for drastic measures in the years to come. 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. Now, for the bad news. 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? 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. 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. 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. This bill appropriated $250 million in. Theyve learned they can have that same look by using water-friendly landscaping," said Zachary Renstrom, the general manager of the water conservancy district. The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. 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. No, this program is intended for single-family residences only. Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. 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. A list of eligible cities, information for communities interested in adopting water-efficient landscape policy and information about rebate applications can be found below. Outside irrigation, dog, animal, or motor vehicle to change their outdoor watering habits is paying people replace. 13 Dream Team Surprise Utah the first that offers a statewide in in. Land use planning with water as a consideration invested a lot we need to do part... 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