Weve taken the guesswork out of it for you with our ready-made plans. We have a lot of grass around here that were starting to re-think and say, 'If you only use it to mow it? 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! 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. 118 Water Efficient Landscaping Incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the popular "turf buyback" program. Also attending are, from left, Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Lt. 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. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. In addition to urging Utahns to continue to conserve water, Gov. These requirements include waterwise landscape standards for new residential developments. 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. The this is the Utah Legislatures passage of a dozen water-related bills and ensuing endorsement by Cox that transform them into law. Through state and district partnerships, eligible participants may receive up to $3 per square foot of lawn replaced with waterwise landscaping. Plants may not exceed 24 inches in height at maturity. Secondary water is a water source thats not treated and non-potable. 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. While the winter overflow system in Salt Lake County has been expanded this winter, the availability of beds has been a consistent issue. It's something Kari said she encourages. Download one of our easy park strip designs and start there. State officials say don't start killing your lawn quite yet, though they encourage you to just do the bare minimum of recommended watering. 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. Utahs 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. It is also being offered at Weber Basin Water Conservancy District because Layton City adopted via an ordinance the institution of the program. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? The Weber County Sports Complex launched an initiative to do fewer cuts at its ice rink and in doing so, anticipates saving more than a million gallons over the year. "When a lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained. 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. Did the Utah Legislature do enough to save the Great Salt Lake? 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). 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 state is facing critical long-term reliable water supply issues. If a homebuyer purchases a property that took advantage of the turf removal program, then plants a lawn where it was removed, they will be required to pay back any funds the previous homeowner. 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. Trees will not be considered in density calculations. "Youve got a lot of churches with lots and lots of lush, grass that nobody even steps on. 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. Read all of our stories atgreatsaltlakenews.org. Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson, R-Orem, HB242 provides $250 million in grants to fast track the metering of secondary water. Information on the district-level programs and others can be found on the Utah Water Savers site. 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! "We haven't gotten any rebates," Wilson said. Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. The idea is very preliminary, but it would offer money to help people get over the hurdle of new landscaping. It. All Rights Reserved, How can people save water in drought? a. So many Utahns are doing their part to save water, which is fantastic, but theres much more we can do.. The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. All Rights Reserved, Gov. Localscapes is an approach to landscaping designed specifically for Utah. "Instead of having a lot of grass, maybe only have 10% of your lawn be grass? The programs are available to all eight counties within the districts coverage area and being funded at a half million dollars. 350 North State, Suite 320 PO Box 145115 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114; Telephone: (801) 538-1408 https://senate.utah.gov; Contact a Senator Spencer Cox said Thursday. 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. HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide rebate program. Should parents follow singer Pinks advice for kids and social media? Spencer J. Cox joined water officials from around the state to highlight current conservation efforts and outline measures needed to plan for Utahs water future. To install SLC Turf Trade, you will have to kill your existing lawn. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. The four measures he hopes legislators take up during the next session include: Statewide installation of secondary water meters Some lawmakers had concerns, but most were happy to move the bill forward and make changes later. Drip emitters and spray heads must be on separate zones. has said it has enough water to get through this year, but plans are being made for drastic measures in the years to come. Yes, but it is your responsibility to clear the project with your HOA. State Facility Water Conservation (HB121), Washington County Water Conservancy District site. We have seen significant water reductions in every water district across the state, Cox said, lauding the efforts of the public and water managers. 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. Begin your application. Also in the midst of planning are potential new water storage projects in Utah. Rebate information for Washington County residents is available on the Washington County Water Conservancy District site. 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. 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. 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 . Over 100 patients with brain tumors attended the same high school. The Jimenezes have already recorded some water savings. HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide. The Jimenezes' neighbors have admired the landscaping project and expressed an interest in doing it themselves. How do we make that fair? Sandall asked. The city's famed golf courses have made changes with an eye toward water savings. The program encourages waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only where theyre actively used. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. Utah Gov. Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. This article about skijoring is sponsored by the Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. Click here to sign in and see program availability. We need to expand this over the next few years. 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. Free Localscapes Rewards programs classes are offered at a variety of locations throughout the state. Spencer Cox announced the expansion of a statewide turf buyback program as one of four efforts to conserve water amid the megadrought. Last year was pretty stressful, said Brian Steed with the Department of Natural Resources. Drip systems must include filter and pressure regulators visible for inspection: Drip emitters must be rated at 5 gallons per hour or less. Utah wants to be the first and is working to expand this program statewide. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. 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. and establishing a statewide turf buyback program. 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. 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.. First, the property must have living and maintained grass and intend to replace it with a drought-resistant type of landscaping. Heres the one word you cant say in a room full of Republicans, 106 wild horses have died in Colorado. Further information can be found on the states website. 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. These types of programs are typically offered at the local level. Spencer Cox and Lt. 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. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. 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. 1/10/2022. 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. Heres what to expect. If lawn has been killed or removed prior to a pre-conversion site visit, you are not eligible for this program. (Remember, killing or removing your lawn before this visit will make your park strip ineligible for a rebate). Shasta daisies are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Dormant is still alive," Hasenyager said. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. 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. Cash rewards and plan reviews will be given for landscaping projects that meet program . Now, for the bad news. 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. deductible, Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe@sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe@sltrib.com. We want our kids to play on it and our dogs," Hasenyager said. No, we do not promote the removal of trees from landscapes; however, trees must be watered with the installed drip irrigation system following conversion. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to notify people when they can start applying for rebates. But the bill also requires the state to take steps to conserve water. "Grass is not the enemy. Once your application has been approved, you have up to one year to complete your landscaping project. This year, though, Utah became the first in the nation to implement a statewide turf buyback program. Utahs 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water conservation bills and appropriations totaling nearly $500 million in spending. Is there a connection? 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. 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. 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. Were identifying acres and acres of turf that were going to be removing so we can conserve water. Like Cox, Ferry emphasized the critical factor of collaboration. Today Full time The state passed a bill trying to change that. 1/18/2022. But the grass seed is designed to grow quickly in the . LocalScapes target a revamped landscaping design for residents with reward money being distributed based on lot size and water savings. The governor also said all secondary water systems should be metered. Your park strip needs to have living lawn to be eligible. 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. Other water-related action taken by Utah this year include: Cox and others stressed the need to do even more as Utah continues down this path of unprecedented drought. . 54 is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate the sales tax on food purchased in the state. Clerk of the House. Its saving water," she said. The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. at the local level - currently, states don't offersuch a program. Previously converted park strips do not qualify for this program at this time. 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. Legislative Research and General Counsel. You must apply for the program before starting your park strip project. Maybe its because our stories are so similar, I wasnt worried about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT. Groundcover plants can qualify as mulch if 100% plant density is achieved at maturity. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Lawn areas shall not exceed 50% of the total landscaped area for front and side yards.*. 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. If landscape fabric is used (not recommended), it must be permeable to water and air. $19.00 - $20.00 hourly, 4 days ago Full time Turf buyback programs like Jordan Valley's . This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. Personal Data: various types of Data as specified in the privacy policy of the service. 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. Weber County Commissioner Gage Froerer said the move was in response to a countywide conservation plan. Tasked the division with making state agency conservation data . A previous version of this story incorrectly listed Rep. Val Petersons last name as Iverson. Click here to sign in and see program availability. Submit completion photos of your project online. 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. Try these game day snacks to make watching football at home with your family feel like a special occasion. ST. GEORGE, Utah Wilson and Kari Jimenez are thrilled with how their yard looks. TownLift is a web and mobile-based Entertainment & News media outlet providing Park City and Summit County Utah with Breaking Local News & Community Updates. What is skijoring? 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. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! Last year by mid-March, Cox had declared a state of emergency for Utah, and he said it is likely that some declaration will happen again as he huddles with water providers and agency leaders. HB121 prohibited certain lawn or turf requirements and imposed conservation requirements for state agencies. Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Before removing any turf, the following actions need to take place: i. Water Conservation Program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site visit. The agricultural sector accounts for about 75% of the states total water use. A list of eligible cities, information for communities interested in adopting water-efficient landscape policy and information about rebate applications can be found below. Gov. SALT LAKE CITY Most of Utah's municipal water goes outdoors about 70 percent. 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. Lawn from your park strip project `` When a lot of grass here. Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe @ sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, for e-edition questions comments... Wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained Washington County water District. 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