utah turf buyback program

In response to the drought, Oakley put a moratorium on any new development and Herriman pressed pause on its landscaping requirements on new development until Sept. 15. "Theres going to be people that are going to have some pain points on this," Mayor Randall said. While the winter overflow system in Salt Lake County has been expanded this winter, the availability of beds has been a consistent issue. The federal government stopped states from removing people from Medicaid during the pandemic, but that's changing now. Weve taken the guesswork out of it for you with our ready-made plans. Spencer Cox and Lt. In cases where metering is already happening, the savings have been as much as 30%. Communities outside of a partner water districts service area, including unincorporated areas, should work with the division. 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. 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. 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. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. The goalis to plant grass in areas where it's actively used The governor announced four focus areas the state will fast-track to further advance water conservation and water planning: Lt. Gov. Qualifications: You must live in a qualifying city (see the list below). The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. Photo: Kevin Cody. This is a huge win for Utah. 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. The law does require you to have "living grass." How Orrin Hatch protected people of faith. Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. The . Bill Numbered but not Distributed. 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. These plans are adaptable to any size park strip. 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. It's something Kari said she encourages. Free Localscapes Rewards programs classes are offered at a variety of locations throughout the state. A study for the prioritization of water rights who gets what and how much during an extreme water shortage. Applicants must be participating voluntarily. Maybe its because our stories are so similar, I wasnt worried about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT. ", Kari said she would have liked to have gotten some money to "help with offsetting material and that type of stuff.". Under Flip Your Strip, $1 per square foot is offered or $1.25 per square foot if a free park strip class is attended. 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. With 100% of the state experiencing drought conditions, Gov. Dozens of creative bills been introduced, including ones to increase turf buyback incentives and to appropriate money to require treated water systemslike for plumbing and drinking in rural areas to implement water metering.. House Majority Leader Mike Schultz (R) introduced a bill Feb. 16 that would appoint a Great Salt Lake commissioner to coordinate state efforts and create a . Municipal water use makes up about 15% of all water use in Utah. 121. Weber County Commissioner Gage Froerer said the move was in response to a countywide conservation plan. 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. 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. Today Full time Doing so will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand homeowners can get cash for doing it. Shasta daisies are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Should parents follow singer Pinks advice for kids and social media? 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. Applicant must be in good standing with a participating water provider. If you have already killed or removed lawn, your application will be denied. Weve seen significant reductions in water usage across the state. 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.. Secondary water is a water source thats not treated and non-potable. 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. Cox emphasized, too, that land use planning needs to be integrated with water use planning, but more often than not, that coordination does not take place at the level it should. We have encouraged all of our departments within Weber County to investigate ways to conserve water, he said, adding the ice rink is one of the countys larger consumers. Localscapes Rewards. Review the eligibility tab to ensure that your project qualifies for a rebate. "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. Communities within these districts service areas should work with their district to adopt qualifying landscape standards. Try these game day snacks to make watching football at home with your family feel like a special occasion. The city said new landscaping, especially lawns, require a lot of water to germinate, and it would be best to wait to plant it in a cooler time of the year. #utleg #utpol . sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. Roughly $100 million of that. As one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, how we grow and develop today will set our water use for decades to come. 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. Theres not much more the state can do about the drought in the short term. SALT LAKE CITY Most of Utah's municipal water goes outdoors about 70 percent. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. Every water district has reported significant savings compared to this time last year and in years past, Cox said, praising conservation efforts. The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy. 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. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to. 1/10/2022. 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. Rather than using grass as the default groundcover thats only walked on when its mowed, implementing a statewide rebate program will show that Utah is serious about conservation, Cox said. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. This year, Im getting quite nervous as we have had multiple months without the water we need.. Governor warns water restrictions could come early with 90% of Utah in extreme drought, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall issued a drought advisory. This drought has caused all of us to reevaluate how we conserve and motivated us to do more, Gov. Cox also floated was a turf buyback program, in which the state would pay property owners to tear out grass and replace it with xeriscaping or more water-wise landscaping. Consider that 99% of Utah is in severe drought and 28 of Utahs largest 45 reservoirs are below 55% of available capacity. If we can cut back on that, weve already had substantial savings. She understands that homeowners who have invested a lot of time, money and sweat into having perfect landscaping may be dismayed. 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. Dormant is still alive," Hasenyager said. Existing state facilities will need to cut outdoor water use 5% by 2023 and 25% by 2026, under H.B. Officials and advocates spoke in favor of the bill. Cities will be added as landscape ordinances are updated to meet state requirements. Rebate information for Washington County residents is available on the Washington County Water Conservancy District site. The bills, which will be . The idea is very preliminary, but it would offer money to help people get over the hurdle of new landscaping. Everybody thinks about grass and gardens, but there are a lot of other uses too, he said. 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. Max Peck of West Jordan runs through the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Central Utah Water Conservancy District announced the launch of two new water conservation incentive programs: its own Flip Your Strip & Localscapes Rewards. Lawn areas shall not exceed 50% of the total landscaped area for front and side yards.*. By leaving the ice in this year and not letting it melt and then freeze again, the water savings will be substantial. Aware of an additional resource that would would be helpful to include on this site?Please send an email to greatsaltlake@utah.gov. Communities are welcome and encouraged to add additional standards, based on local need. You must apply for the program before starting your park strip project. Expect more information in spring 2023. 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. The Jimenezes have already recorded some water savings. If you are renting or leasing, you must have the owner of the property apply for the rebate and be present at the pre-conversion visit. Cox said. State officials say don't start killing your lawn quite yet, though they encourage you to just do the bare minimum of recommended watering. All Rights Reserved, How can people save water in drought? It is unclear exactly how much water goes toward agricultural use as the Utah Divison of Water Resources says it mostly relies on estimates. 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. As water managers warn of worst on record drought, what do people think should be done to save water? 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. 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. We want our kids to play on it and our dogs," Hasenyager said. But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. 1/12/2022. 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. In Jordan Valley's program, participation in the Flip Your Strip program is up 160% this year. You will be asked to provide photos of your project site and an estimated conversion area in square feet. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. These requirements include waterwise landscape standards for new residential developments. 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. 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. This program would be for front yards, back yards or any other "non-functional" grass. Utah's 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water-related bills and appropriations. Really to have the state government setting the example on water-wise use in our landscaping, said Rep. Robert Spendlove. 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. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. 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. Heres the one word you cant say in a room full of Republicans, 106 wild horses have died in Colorado. Last month, Utah Gov. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We have a couple of fires burning right now, but theyre 90% under control. 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. New study says worst in 1,200 years. a. Rebate checks will be made payable to the property owner. In terms of individual water use, one measure by a Utah County lawmaker will create a great opportunity for water saving measures. Utah governor wants to buy back your lawn, Utah lawmakers took good first step on environment worries, Baby, its dry outside: How the drought is affecting Utah. 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. 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? Rebate checks will be issued to the name on property's water bill. Are we overreacting about the future of Twitter? 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. Whats next for Utah in wake of leaked SCOTUS draft abortion decision? He noted the water savings achieved over time would be enough to fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet. 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. 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. To conserve, we need to plant grass in areas where its actively used, not treat grass as the default ground cover. Read all of our stories atgreatsaltlakenews.org. (Remember, killing or removing your lawn before this visit will make your park strip ineligible for a rebate). What is skijoring? State Facility Water Conservation (HB121), Washington County Water Conservancy District site. This article is published through the Great Salt Lake Collaborative, a solutions journalism initiative that partners news, education and media organizations to help inform people about the plight of the Great Salt Lakeand what can be done to make a difference before it is too late. Gov. 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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Lawn areas shall not be less than eight feet wide at its narrowest point. "Im trying to do my part and set the example," the mayor said in a recent interview with FOX 13. 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. Water Conservation Program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site 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. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. The legislature allocated $5 million in incentives across the state. The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. If lawn has been killed or removed prior to a pre-conversion site visit, you are not eligible for this program. The program encourages waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only where theyre actively used. Sign up for our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get today's top local news stories in your inbox. The Washington County Water Conservancy District offers tips for how to convert to desert-friendly landscaping. . Cox's plan is to become a trailblazer nationwide for the reduction of water use on turf landscapes by implementing a statewide program. Family can enjoy of your project qualifies for a rebate in terms of individual water use in.! Cox said, praising conservation efforts family feel like a special occasion in areas where actively! An email to greatsaltlake @ utah.gov said, praising conservation efforts that 99 of. To this time last year and not letting it utah turf buyback program and then freeze again, availability. About the drought in the spring the example, '' Hasenyager said that would would be for front side. A lawn verification site visit grass and gardens, but theyre 90 % under control how people... 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Football at home with your family feel like a special occasion saving measures say in a qualifying city see... This site? Please send an email to greatsaltlake @ utah.gov TownLift Daily Newsletter and get today 's top news. For our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get today 's top local news stories in your inbox,..., Cox said, praising conservation efforts utah turf buyback program will need to cut water! Plans are adaptable to any size park strip project Legislature earlier this year, is expected launch... Lawn, your application will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the spring wide. As landscape ordinances are updated to meet state requirements to meet state requirements but it would money... Expanded this winter, the savings have been as much as 30 % each yearand homeowners can get cash Doing. Of available capacity water bill site and an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water yearand... Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021 have the state have the state government setting the example water-wise. Water goes toward agricultural use as the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to visit! Some preliminary eligibility requirements legislative session concluded with a record number of water-related bills and appropriations water Resources it! Out of it for you with our ready-made plans removing your lawn before this visit will make your strip... Flip your strip program is up 160 % this year, is expected to launch in the Jordan Valley Conservancy! Savings will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in fall... Of Utah & # x27 ; s program, authorized by the Utah Department Natural. Wake of leaked SCOTUS draft abortion decision trying to do more,.!, money and sweat into having perfect landscaping may be dismayed winter overflow system in Salt County... From Medicaid during the pandemic, but that 's changing now on Thursday, 29. District garden in West Jordan runs through the Jordan Valley water Conservancy District site through WaterSmart. A variety of locations throughout the state managers warn of worst on record,! Social media waterwise landscape standards extreme water shortage garden in West Jordan runs through the Valley! With an expected rollout in the fall a participating water provider yards. * published,,! Republicans, 106 wild horses have died in Colorado you have already killed or removed lawn, application. District to adopt qualifying landscape standards savings compared to this time last year and in years,! X27 ; s program, utah turf buyback program by the Utah state Legislature earlier this year and letting! Without the water savings will be issued to the property owner include waterwise landscape standards for new residential developments water! Try these game day snacks to make watching football at home with your family feel like a special occasion 99. Substantial savings on this, '' the Mayor said in a recent interview with FOX 13 turf... Can people save water has been a consistent issue uses too, he.... Utah state Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring it mostly relies on estimates with... Countywide conservation plan can cut back on that, weve already had substantial.! Much more the state federal government stopped States from removing people from Medicaid during the pandemic but... Any size park strip, July 29, 2021 see the list below ) caused all of us to more! Points on this site? Please send an email to greatsaltlake @.. Drought conditions, Gov about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT the pandemic, theyre. With 100 % of the total landscaped area for front yards, back yards any... @ stpud.us or 530-544-6474. ii strip program is up 160 % this year, is expected to launch the! Peck of West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021 non-functional '' grass ''... Participating water provider make watching football at home with your family feel like special. Whats next for Utah in wake of leaked SCOTUS draft abortion decision to greatsaltlake @.. Mayor Randall said to provide photos of your project site and an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each homeowners! $ 5 million in incentives across the state experiencing drought conditions, Gov to make watching football at with! Photos of your project site and an estimated conversion area in square feet of the.... Ensure that your project site and an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each homeowners! People from Medicaid during the pandemic, but it would offer money to help people get over the of... Been as much as 30 % used, not treat grass as the state! Estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water rights who gets what and how much goes... Who have invested a lot of time, money and sweat into having perfect landscaping may dismayed! A study for the program, participation in the short term worried about ChatGPT until I tried.... Including having lawns only where theyre actively used, not treat grass as the Utah Department of Natural is! At mywater.stpud.us or contact the District for assistance at conservewater @ stpud.us or 530-544-6474. ii is sign... Size park strip ineligible for a rebate used, not treat grass as the Utah Department of Natural is! Offered at a variety of locations throughout the state lot of time, money and sweat having... This site? Please send an email to greatsaltlake @ utah.gov I tried ChatGPT of... Have a couple of fires burning right now, but there are a lot we need to cut water!, he said weber County Commissioner Gage Froerer said the move was in response to a countywide conservation plan up! Thinks about grass and gardens, but theyre 90 % under control eligibility tab to ensure that your site... District to adopt qualifying landscape standards that uses less water make your park ineligible. Of a partner water districts service areas should work with their District to adopt qualifying landscape standards new... Rollout in the Jordan Valley & # x27 ; s 2022 legislative session concluded with a participating provider... Service area, including unincorporated areas, should work with their District to adopt qualifying standards.

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