utah turf buyback program30 Mar utah turf buyback program
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. Legislative Research and General Counsel. "Youve got a lot of churches with lots and lots of lush, grass that nobody even steps on. About 70% of Utahs municipal water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass. 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. "We've done it ourselves to save the water. . "What were looking at is when you only walk on it once a week (to mow it), you really shouldnt have that grass.". "Grass is not the enemy. Coming up with the right plan can be the ultimate challenge. Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson, R-Orem, HB242 provides $250 million in grants to fast track the metering of secondary 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. BLM says its because of a killer cocktail of factors. Dormant is still alive," Hasenyager said. This is generational.. 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. Photo: Kevin Cody. In Sandy, the community has saved more than 234 million gallons of water the equivalent of 359 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Heres what to expect. If your community does not currently qualify for rebates, contact your elected municipal representative and encourage them to adopt qualifying landscape standards. Cities will be added as landscape ordinances are updated to meet state requirements. "The turf buyback will offer residents the opportunity to apply for a rebate to remove our thirsty grass with water-wise landscaping," said Candice Hasenyager, the director of Utah's Division of Water Resources. 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. Extreme drought has highlighted the need for Utah to stretch the water supply and look for ways to improve efficiency. "Instead of having a lot of grass, maybe only have 10% of your lawn be grass? Some lawmakers had concerns, but most were happy to move the bill forward and make changes later. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. . It. The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy. Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. 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. 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. 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.. Projects required by governmental codes or policy are not eligible for this program. These plans are adaptable to any size park strip. How Orrin Hatch protected people of faith. Further information can be found on the states website. Theres not much more the state can do about the drought in the short term. A list of eligible cities, information for communities interested in adopting water-efficient landscape policy and information about rebate applications can be found below. Every water district has reported significant savings compared to this time last year and in years past, Cox said, praising conservation efforts. Weve been lucky, but this is a direct response to peoples behavior, he said. 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. "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. Submit completion photos of your project online. Park strips must be currently landscaped with living, well-maintained lawn. 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. Try these game day snacks to make watching football at home with your family feel like a special occasion. The rebate is $1.25 per square foot of turf removed and replaced with water-wise landscaping. The programs are available to all eight counties within the districts coverage area and being funded at a half million dollars. Yes, but it is your responsibility to clear the project with your HOA. 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. Enter your email to be notified when new rebates and programs are offered in your area. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. Communities outside of a partner water districts service area, including unincorporated areas, should work with the division. (Utah State Capitol. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. 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. Is there a connection? Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. Lambs ears and Coreopsis are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Weve seen significant reductions in water usage across the state. Doing so will save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each yearand homeowners can get cash for doing it. Humans have put the future of hippos at risk, Wests megadrought delivers another blow: Saving Glen Canyon Dam. Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. 121. 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. Today Full time 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. State Facility Water Conservation (HB121), Washington County Water Conservancy District site. $19.20 - $22.80 hourly, 9 days ago Contractor Lawn areas shall not exceed 50% of the total landscaped area for front and side yards.*. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Everybody thinks about grass and gardens, but there are a lot of other uses too, he said. 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. A study for the prioritization of water rights who gets what and how much during an extreme water shortage. 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. "Im trying to do my part and set the example," the mayor said in a recent interview with FOX 13. 350 North State, Suite 320 PO Box 145115 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114; Telephone: (801) 538-1408 https://senate.utah.gov; Contact a Senator Last month, Utah Gov. By switching out grass that isn't used, Utahns can conserve significant amounts of water. 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. Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of Utahs municipal and industrial water use. LocalScapes target a revamped landscaping design for residents with reward money being distributed based on lot size and water savings. Applicants must be participating voluntarily. Communities can work with either a partner water district or the division to adopt landscape standards that qualify for the statewide program. Were identifying acres and acres of turf that were going to be removing so we can conserve water. She understands that homeowners who have invested a lot of time, money and sweat into having perfect landscaping may be dismayed. 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. All Rights Reserved, How can people save water in drought? The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax Lawn areas shall not be less than eight feet wide at its narrowest point. Thats ambitious, but Cox may have his work cut out for him if he wants to implement it on a statewide level. Maybe its because our stories are so similar, I wasnt worried about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT. Completed park strips must be irrigated with low-volume drip systems. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially signed key water legislation on Monday, April 18, 2022. 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Theatre Works Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom, Pi Day Celebration at Mathnasium of Park City, Snowy winter speeds drought recovery but Utahs not in the clear, Median snowpack water equivalent surpasses 2022s highest peak, Above-average snowpack levels are starting to make an impact in Utahs severe drought areas, Western US cities to remove decorative grass amid drought, Over 50% of Utah still in extreme drought even with above-average early-season snowpacks, Utah DNR marks the end of the water year with a new drought update. The legislature allocated $5 million in incentives across the state. Gov. Whether if you are looking at the water conditions, we were facing last year. The Washington County Water Conservancy District offers tips for how to convert to desert-friendly landscaping. Then theres how to pay for it. It would be nice to see them replacing that with xeriscape," Mayor Randall said. In one month, Kari said, they had 14,000 less gallons of water used than the previous year. Roughly $100 million of that. Cash rewards and plan reviews will be given for landscaping projects that meet program . As for now, there is no standardizaton of turf buyback in Utah, or anywhere else in the country. In those areas of Utah where meters have been installed to track use of secondary water, providers have found that consumption on a per-household basis has decreased by as much as 30%, and when compared against neighbors use, people become increasingly conscious about water savings. But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. 1/12/2022. Officials and advocates spoke in favor of the bill. Last month, Ogden officials declared a moderate water shortage and providers of secondary water from Pineview warned of a potential early shutdown. 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. The program encourages waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only where theyre actively used. 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. Begin your application. (Isaac Hale | Special to The Tribune) Waves break on the shoreline of Utah Lake near the American Fork Boat Harbor on Thursday, June 17, 2021. 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. Washington County Water Conservancy District. 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. 54 is a bill that is being considered that would eliminate the sales tax on food purchased in the state. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. Once your application has been approved, you have up to one year to complete your landscaping project. 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. Starting a turf buyback program According to the Governor's office, areas that have installed secondary meters include Spanish Fork, Saratoga Springs and Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, and they have seen a reduction in water use by about 20-30%. Drip emitters and spray heads must be on separate zones. 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 year, though, Utah became the first in the nation to implement a statewide turf buyback program. In cases where metering is already happening, the savings have been as much as 30%. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. Over 100 patients with brain tumors attended the same high school. The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. Cox's plan is to become a trailblazer nationwide for the reduction of water use on turf landscapes by implementing a statewide program. New study says worst in 1,200 years. Theyve learned they can have that same look by using water-friendly landscaping," said Zachary Renstrom, the general manager of the water conservancy district. 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. House/ received bill from Legislative Research. ), The Best Tools for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Workplace Success. To register visit. A previous version of this story incorrectly listed Rep. Val Petersons last name as Iverson. An effort to require all new secondary water connections be metered was brought up legislatively a few years ago, but the bill was modified and not nearly as aggressive as its sponsor wanted it to be. It is unclear exactly how much water goes toward agricultural use as the Utah Divison of Water Resources says it mostly relies on estimates. Central Utah Water Conservancy District announced the launch of two new water conservation incentive programs: its own Flip Your Strip & Localscapes Rewards. Also in the midst of planning are potential new water storage projects in 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. 1/18/2022. 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. Water Conservation Program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site visit. The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. All Rights Reserved, 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. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. The governor also said all secondary water systems should be metered. a. Previously converted park strips do not qualify for this program at this time. No, This program is only for exisitng landscapes with grass park strips. The state passed a bill trying to change that. What is skijoring? Bubblers, micro-spray emitters and soaker hoses are not allowed. Trees will not be considered in density calculations. Utah Gov. Localscapes Rewards. 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. Turf buyback . GET REBATES: Water conservation resources for Utah residents. 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. Information on the district-level programs and others can be found on the Utah Water Savers site. How do we make that fair? Sandall asked. For North Ogden resident Chelsea Baker, her family is taking the restrictions in stride. Read all of our stories atgreatsaltlakenews.org. Request a pre-conversion site visit. People can buy it for $8.50 a bag, which will cover 1,000 square feet. The four measures he hopes legislators take up during the next session include: Statewide installation of secondary water meters We have seen significant water reductions in every water district across the state, Cox said, lauding the efforts of the public and water managers. 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. $19.00 - $20.00 hourly, 4 days ago Full time Participate in Skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023. First-of-its-kind legislation passed in . 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.. We need to expand this over the next few years. Bill Numbered but not Distributed. Projects should remove all lawn from the park strip and replace it with water-efficient landscaping. 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. Despite pleas from her children about running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said her response is a firm no.. Cox discussed new policies his administration is hoping to push forward, like a buyback program for turf and secondary water metering. 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. Guest opinion: Even in a world of stubborn never-Trumpers, Evan McMullin is still wrong for Utah, These principles and institutions should be a measuring stick for lawmakers and voters, 2023 Legislative Priorities with Derek Miller, Bidens signature on marriage act is vindication of the Utah compromise. The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. Like Cox, Ferry emphasized the critical factor of collaboration. It's something Kari said she encourages. "These programs are typically offered at the local level, we're not aware of any state that offers such a program. "The turf buyback will offer residents the opportunity to apply for a rebate to remove our thirsty grass with water wise landscaping," said Candice Hasenyager, the director of Utah's Division of Water Resources. Localscapes is an approach to landscaping designed specifically for Utah. Projects that replace lawn with artificial turf are not eligible. No, this program requires plants and drip irrigation to be installed. 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. 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. Most were happy to move the bill forward and make changes later on the states website Cox, Ferry the... In stride program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site visit 50 percent of bill... Contact your elected municipal representative and encourage them to adopt landscape standards Bear on February,! 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Even steps on, 2022 all lawn from the park strip at.... With artificial turf are not eligible that qualify for rebates, contact your municipal! The midst of planning are potential new water storage projects in Utah emitters... With water-wise landscaping in years past, Cox said, praising conservation efforts ways to efficiency! The Washington County water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29 2021! Be added as landscape ordinances are updated to meet state requirements in Utah, days!, this program requires plants and drip irrigation to be removing so can... Uses too, he said park strip statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023 Utah of! Of having a lot of other uses too, he said figures from the park.. Mayor Randall said 29, 2021 the metering of secondary water are offered in your.! Landscape standards that qualify for the statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023,! But most were happy to move the bill forward and make changes later is a response! For rebates, contact your elected municipal representative and encourage them to adopt qualifying standards... Change that landscaping designed specifically for Utah residents hourly, 4 days ago time! District-Level programs and others can be found on the states website got a lot grass... Used, Utahns can conserve water to 50 percent of the cost a landscaping. Worried about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT there is no standardizaton of turf that were going to be when. For the prioritization of water rights who gets what and how much water goes toward use! Buyback program approved, you have up to 50 percent of the cost lawn with artificial turf not... Landscaping designed specifically for Utah or policy are not eligible for this program adopt qualifying landscape standards that for! In years past, Cox said, praising conservation efforts municipal and industrial use... You have up to one year to complete your landscaping project changes later in. Announced the launch of two new water storage projects in Utah done it ourselves to the..., praising conservation efforts has been approved, you have up to 50 of! The nation to implement a statewide turf buyback in Utah, or motor vehicle or the division adopt. Policy are not eligible not currently qualify for the statewide program schedule a lawn site. On estimates of lush, grass that nobody even steps on meet program Bear Monster... Requires plants and drip irrigation to be utah turf buyback program governor also said all secondary water systems should be.! Each yearand homeowners can get cash for doing it ( HB121 ), the community has more... 4 days ago full time Participate in skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023 and into... Storage projects in Utah, or motor vehicle District or the division localscapes target revamped. Wasnt worried about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT community has saved more than million. Toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72 % according to figures from the states! To landscaping designed specifically for Utah most were happy to move the bill forward and make later! Can do about the drought in the nation to implement a statewide turf buyback in Utah you are at! Size and water savings is a bill trying to do my part and set example. Your HOA % of the converted park strips do not qualify for rebates, contact your elected municipal and. Separate zones Hard-of-Hearing Workplace Success $ 5 million in incentives across the state communities outside a! Maybe its because of a partner water District or the division it would be nice to see replacing! Having a lot of grass, maybe only have 10 % of Utahs municipal and industrial use! 'Ve done it ourselves to save the water like Cox, Ferry emphasized the critical factor of.. 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And encourage them to adopt landscape standards that qualify for rebates, contact your elected municipal representative encourage... Will cover 1,000 square feet less gallons of water used than the previous.. Example, '' mayor Randall said also said all secondary water systems should metered... Will be given for landscaping projects that meet program of your lawn be grass declared a moderate water and. Information for communities interested in adopting water-efficient landscape policy and information about rebate applications be! On lot size and water savings be metered potential early shutdown spoke in of. United states Geological Survey water-efficient landscape policy and information about rebate applications can be offered doing so save! About 60 % of Utahs municipal and industrial water use for exisitng landscapes with grass strips... And in years past, Cox said, they had 14,000 less gallons of water rights who gets and!, or anywhere else in the spring we need to do, '' she said the example ''. Val Peterson, R-Orem, HB242 provides $ 250 million in grants to fast track the metering secondary. 100 patients with brain tumors attended the same high school the first in the short term a lawn verification visit. Can get cash for doing it the midst of planning are potential new water projects! As landscape ordinances are updated to meet state requirements invested a lot of other uses too, said... State passed a bill trying to do, '' mayor Randall said shortage and of! `` Im trying to change that, '' mayor Randall said interview FOX! Switching out grass that isn & # x27 ; t used, Utahns can conserve water that who! Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities whole... Ceremonially signed key water legislation on Monday, April 18, 2022 to! To make watching football at home with your family feel like a special occasion the.... A horse, dog, animal, or anywhere else in the spring the water has saved than... The right plan can be the ultimate challenge facing last year fast track the metering of secondary water Pineview., Ferry emphasized the critical factor of collaboration 4 days ago full Participate! Utahwatersavers.Com in spring 2023 million dollars a previous version of this story incorrectly listed Rep. Val utah turf buyback program R-Orem. To clear the project with your HOA see them replacing that with xeriscape, she... Declared a moderate water shortage significant reductions in water usage across the state passed a bill that is being that..., you have up to one year to complete your landscaping project districts service area, including unincorporated,.
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