Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson, R-Orem, HB242 provides $250 million in grants to fast track the metering of secondary water. 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. "Grass is not the enemy. 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. Max Peck of West Jordan runs through the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. 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. Participate in Skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023. Deidre Henderson, South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey and Central Utah Water Conservation District manager Rick Maloy participate in a press conference at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District in West Jordan on Thursday. Lambs ears and Coreopsis are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. ST. GEORGE, Utah Wilson and Kari Jimenez are thrilled with how their yard looks. Spencer Cox and Lt. Clerk of the House. 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. Across the state there are multiple cities that have enacted various restrictions or taken other measures to cope with the effects of this drought. To conserve, we need to plant grass in areas where its actively used, not treat grass as the default ground cover. It would be nice to see them replacing that with xeriscape," Mayor Randall said. Taller plants block views, impede safety, and can interfere with city maintenance. 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. Here are some of the best resources to make your workplace work better for Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. H.B. She's among those who are following the advice of Washington County's water conservancy district to cut lawn watering to only three times a week for southern Utah in the state's drought emergency (it's recommended only twice a week in northern Utah). Governor warns water restrictions could come early with 90% of Utah in extreme drought, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall issued a drought advisory. Legislative Research and General Counsel. Tasked the division with making state agency conservation data . Heres what to expect. This year, Im getting quite nervous as we have had multiple months without the water we need.. The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. Through state and district partnerships, eligible participants may receive up to $3 per square foot of lawn replaced with waterwise landscaping. 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. 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. Click here to sign in and see program availability. 118 Water Efficient Landscaping Incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the popular "turf buyback" program. ", Kari said she would have liked to have gotten some money to "help with offsetting material and that type of stuff.". (Utah State Capitol. 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. Qualifications: You must live in a qualifying city (see the list below). People can buy it for $8.50 a bag, which will cover 1,000 square feet. 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. These requirements include waterwise landscape standards for new residential developments. No matter what Cox proposes, there wont be any impact in the near term. 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. This bill appropriated $250 million in. Did the Utah Legislature do enough to save the Great Salt Lake? After the press event, Cox told the Deseret News that the drought has not taken controversial water development projects like the Lake Powell Pipeline and Bear River Development plan off the table. Communities outside of a partner water districts service area, including unincorporated areas, should work with the division. Last month, Ogden officials declared a moderate water shortage and providers of secondary water from Pineview warned of a potential early shutdown. Lawn areas shall not exceed 50% of the total landscaped area for front and side yards.*. A list of eligible cities, information for communities interested in adopting water-efficient landscape policy and information about rebate applications can be found below. All Rights Reserved, How can people save water in drought? Communities within these districts service areas should work with their district to adopt qualifying landscape standards. 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. 121. First-of-its-kind legislation passed in . To all those people who asked what are YOU going to do, this is the answer, Cox said. Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. Last month, Utah Gov. 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! 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. 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. Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. HB 121 also requires water conservation at state facilities. 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. All rights reserved. Cash rewards and plan reviews will be given for landscaping projects that meet program . They tore out turf and replaced it with native plants and rocks. 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. "They loved how the project has come out. Cox discussed new policies his administration is hoping to push forward, like a buyback program for turf and secondary water metering. 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. Against the backdrop of a half-full Jordanelle Reservoir, Cox and Lt. Gov. 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. This assessment has been folded into the, Many residential connections use secondary water for outside irrigation. Rebate information for Washington County residents is available on the Washington County Water Conservancy District site. By switching out grass that isn't used, Utahns can conserve significant amounts of water. For us, we just didnt need it and for those who dont need the water, it gives a little more for those who need to take a little more.. The city gets its culinary water from a separate series of wells and springs. Then theres how to pay for it. I want to have a shower. 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 plans are adaptable to any size park strip. The biggest hurdle will be selling lawmakers on the idea. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to. Unpaid water bills will disqualify applicants from the Flip Your Strip program. Very low water levels at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County are pictured after Gov. Thats ambitious, but Cox may have his work cut out for him if he wants to implement it on a statewide level. 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. Theres not much more the state can do about the drought in the short term. Whats next for Utah in wake of leaked SCOTUS draft abortion decision? Stay in the loop when you subscribe for free. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Spencer Cox said Utahns are getting the message to conserve water amid the crippling drought gripping almost all of the state which is about the only weapon in Utahs arsenal right now. HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide rebate program. You can sign up here for information on the turf buyback program, With the dramatic decline of the Great Salt Lake, Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. Free Localscapes Rewards programs classes are offered at a variety of locations throughout the state. But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. Click here to sign in and see program availability. Trees will not be considered in density calculations. 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. Some local water districts have already started offering money for "flip your strip" programs designed to get rid of wasted grass on parking strips. 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. HB121 prohibited certain lawn or turf requirements and imposed conservation requirements for state agencies. 6300 N Sagewood Dr, Ste H579 Park City, Utah 84098, Signs of Drought at the Great Salt Lake. All Rights Reserved, Gov. Whether if you are looking at the water conditions, we were facing last year. Some ideas include metering secondary water systems, which the Legislature is already planning to do, improved technology for farmers and ranchers so they can use water more wisely, and mandating more water-wise landscaping for new developments. (Remember, killing or removing your lawn before this visit will make your park strip ineligible for a rebate). You still have a place where neighbors can congregate and stand and have that feel, but the entire front lawn isnt grass," Renstrom said. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. Completed projects must be covered with 3-4 inches of gravel, bark, or compost mulch. "It still has to be somewhat alive. 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. BLM says its because of a killer cocktail of factors. Existing state facilities will need to cut outdoor water use 5% by 2023 and 25% by 2026, under H.B. The goalis to plant grass in areas where it's actively used Water-saving strategies are showing some success in unique ways. 1/10/2022. During your consultation, you will receive watering suggestions, sprinkler system advice, and recommendations for your landscape. Localscapes is an approach to landscaping designed specifically for Utah. Establish a statewide turf buyback program: Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of municipal and industrial water use. This rule is in place to follow local city ordinances. Enter your email to be notified when new rebates and programs are offered in your area. 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. "When a lot of these. 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. Groundcover plants can qualify as mulch if 100% plant density is achieved at maturity. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. 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. Gov. Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed. 06 Feb 2023 19:59:44 Its saving water," she said. Rebate checks will be issued to the name on property's water bill. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! 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. This is generational.. 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. Under Flip Your Strip, $1 per square foot is offered or $1.25 per square foot if a free park strip class is attended. Yes, but it is your responsibility to clear the project with your HOA. Plants may not exceed 24 inches in height at maturity. Most secondary water is used for agriculture or irrigation. Localscapes Rewards. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially signed key water legislation on Monday, April 18, 2022. Really to have the state government setting the example on water-wise use in our landscaping, said Rep. Robert Spendlove. 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