The idea is very preliminary, but it would offer money to help people get over the hurdle of new landscaping. The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. "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. Concrete areas do not qualify for a square foot rebate, but pavers, bricks, stone, and other permeable materials are permitted. This Application collects some Personal Data from its Users. 6300 N Sagewood Dr, Ste H579 Park City, Utah 84098, Signs of Drought at the Great Salt Lake. And can he win? This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. To register visit. 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. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. Legislative Research and General Counsel. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " program help incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. Today Full time Lawn areas shall not be less than eight feet wide at its narrowest point. Once your application has been approved, you have up to one year to complete your landscaping project. Consider that 99% of Utah is in severe drought and 28 of Utahs largest 45 reservoirs are below 55% of available capacity. Communities within these districts service areas should work with their district to adopt qualifying landscape standards. 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. New study says worst in 1,200 years. Utah is the fastest growing state in the nation, growing 18.4% over the past decade compared to the national average of 7.4%. "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. 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. 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. 350 North State, Suite 320 PO Box 145115 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114; Telephone: (801) 538-1408 https://senate.utah.gov; Contact a Senator A study for the prioritization of water rights who gets what and how much during an extreme water shortage. Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. 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. It. How do we make that fair? Sandall asked. 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. Lambs ears and Coreopsis are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. "We've done it ourselves to save the water. 121. Some lawmakers had concerns, but most were happy to move the bill forward and make changes later. If your community does not currently qualify for rebates, contact your elected municipal representative and encourage them to adopt qualifying landscape standards. Click here to sign in and see program availability. "They have actually expressed even wanting to get rid of their grass so I think its been a positive thing.". 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. (Utah State Capitol. Even if lawmakers find the cash to fund these programs, the earliest they will go into effect is next spring or early summer. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation as Lt. Gov. 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. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially signed key water legislation on Monday, April 18, 2022. 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. Will Mitt Romney seek re-election in 2024? But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. 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. I just heard a lot about the drought, grasshoppers in the middle of the country, how it is affecting farmers, and our yard honestly is not amazing. 1/12/2022. 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. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. Call said this summer has jump-started fruitful discussions by residents on water conservation practices. 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. Groundcover plants can qualify as mulch if 100% plant density is achieved at maturity. Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. The biggest hurdle will be selling lawmakers on the idea. 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. 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. has said it has enough water to get through this year, but plans are being made for drastic measures in the years to come. In addition to urging Utahns to continue to conserve water, Gov. We have seen significant water reductions in every water district across the state, Cox said, lauding the efforts of the public and water managers. So many Utahns are doing their part to save water, which is fantastic, but theres much more we can do.. First, the property must have living and maintained grass and intend to replace it with a drought-resistant type of landscaping. Cox discussed new policies his administration is hoping to push forward, like a buyback program for turf and secondary water metering. New developments in the area have prohibited turf lawns or kept them small. You will be asked to provide photos of your project site and an estimated conversion area in square feet. 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. She's urging residents to think of things like covering a swimming pool when not in use to avoid evaporation, and second-homes in the area that water a lawn that the owner isn't even there for. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax Projects required by governmental codes or policy are not eligible for this program. This rule is in place to follow local city ordinances. HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide rebate program. Did the Utah Legislature do enough to save the Great Salt Lake? Free Localscapes Rewards programs classes are offered at a variety of locations throughout the state. Now, for the bad news. Cox's plan is to become a trailblazer nationwide for the reduction of water use on turf landscapes by implementing a statewide program. 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. Eight streams are flowing at record low conditions, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources. The program encourages waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only where theyre actively used. Sign up for a free consultation to see how you can make your yard more water-efficient and Utah-friendly. 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! Every water district has reported significant savings compared to this time last year and in years past, Cox said, praising conservation efforts. "As a city? 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. Participate in Skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023. We have a lot of grass around here that were starting to re-think and say, 'If you only use it to mow it? 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. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. State Facility Water Conservation (HB121), Washington County Water Conservancy District site. 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. Mayor Randall said some of the policy changes may be painful for some residents, but they are necessary. Photo: Kevin Cody. 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. Weve taken the guesswork out of it for you with our ready-made plans. It is unclear exactly how much water goes toward agricultural use as the Utah Divison of Water Resources says it mostly relies on estimates. (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. Information on the district-level programs and others can be found on the Utah Water Savers site. To conserve, we need to plant grass in areas where its actively used, not treat grass as the default ground cover. Roughly $100 million of that. 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. 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. Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed. Residents in areas that have adopted qualifying landscape standards are eligible for state rebate funding. Governor Deidre Henderson ceremonially sign key water legislation at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County on Monday, April 18, 2022. The governor also said all secondary water systems should be metered. Sixty percent of our municipal water goes toward outdoor watering. Extreme drought has highlighted the need for Utah to stretch the water supply and look for ways to improve efficiency. Are we overreacting about the future of Twitter? However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to. Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. BLM says its because of a killer cocktail of factors. Before removing any turf, the following actions need to take place: i. Establish a statewide turf buyback program: Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of municipal and industrial water use. 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.. 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. These types of programs are typically offered at the local level. 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. All new state facilities in Utah may be required to have less than 20% turf. Your park strip needs to have living lawn to be eligible. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. LocalScapes target a revamped landscaping design for residents with reward money being distributed based on lot size and water savings. 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). We need to expand this over the next few years. The Jimenezes have already recorded some water savings. 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. Last year was pretty stressful, said Brian Steed with the Department of Natural Resources. No, this program is intended for single-family residences only. How Orrin Hatch protected people of faith. We want our kids to play on it and our dogs," Hasenyager said. House Bill 121(water conservation modifications) provides $5 million in incentives for people that want to voluntarily replace turf with drought-resistant landscaping and imposes water conservation requirements by state agencies at state government facilities. 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. Its saving water," she said. Realistically, they wont bear fruit, or water, until 2023. It is also being offered at Weber Basin Water Conservancy District because Layton City adopted via an ordinance the institution of the program. The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. LDS Church wants to light up a temple in a place that prides itself on dark skies, For husband-and-wife team, this new restaurant is the culmination of a decadeslong dream. He noted the water savings achieved over time would be enough to fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet. Aware of an additional resource that would would be helpful to include on this site?Please send an email to greatsaltlake@utah.gov. 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. About 70% of Utahs municipal water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass. 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. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Turf buyback programs like Jordan Valley's . However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to notify people when they can start applying for rebates. 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. 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 . Bubblers, micro-spray emitters and soaker hoses are not allowed. This bill appropriated $250 million in. During the 2022 legislative session, the Division of Water Resources received $5 million to implement a statewide grass replacement rebate program. The Utah legislature recently passed three important water billsfocused on water conversation in the midst of a historic megadrought, includingthe first statewide turf buyback program in the country. Communities are welcome and encouraged to add additional standards, based on local need. Central Utah Water Conservancy District announced the launch of two new water conservation incentive programs: its own Flip Your Strip & Localscapes Rewards. 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? 118 Water Efficient Landscaping Incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on the popular "turf buyback" program. Applicant must be in good standing with a participating water provider. The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District created a site that tracks rebates that can be offered. I have been really impressed driving around the city to see how many lawns are following the restrictions.. Yes, but it is your responsibility to clear the project with your HOA. The passage of this legislation makes it the first ever statewide program of its kind. Legislative Research and General Counsel. Completed projects must be covered with 3-4 inches of gravel, bark, or compost mulch. 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. Washington County Water Conservancy District. As for now, there is no standardizaton of turf buyback in Utah, or anywhere else in the country. "Because its more work!". Spencer Cox said Thursday. a. 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. 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. Sign up for our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get today's top local news stories in your inbox. By switching out grass that isn't used, Utahns can conserve significant amounts of water. HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide. $19.20 - $22.80 hourly, 9 days ago Contractor Cox said. Attend a park strip class. Theres not much more the state can do about the drought in the short term. "When a lot of these. H.B. 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. Through state and district partnerships, eligible participants may receive up to $3 per square foot of lawn replaced with waterwise landscaping. The way my yard looks is nowhere as important as it is for farmers to provide food for the state, Baker said. A previous version of this story incorrectly listed Rep. Val Petersons last name as Iverson. The state is facing critical long-term reliable water supply issues. Everybody thinks about grass and gardens, but there are a lot of other uses too, he said. ", Water conservation authority considers 'turf buyback' as St. George reviews wasteful ordinances. I want to have a nice drink of water. 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. watertown, sd youth basketball tournament, homemade lawn fertilizer spreader, 9 days ago Contractor Cox said, praising conservation efforts $ 5 rebate! Groundcover plants can qualify as mulch if 100 % plant density is achieved at maturity to provide photos your! Around here that were starting to re-think and say, 'If you only use it to mow?! Work with their District to adopt qualifying landscape standards their grass so i think its been a positive thing ``! Dog, animal, or motor vehicle mulch if 100 % plant density is at. Gravel, bark, or motor vehicle, Baker said the Great Salt Lake significant savings compared to time... New policies his administration is hoping to push forward, like a buyback program in the Jordan water... Say, 'If you only use it to mow it can start applying rebates. 80,000 acre-feet ago Contractor Cox said Sandall, expands on the district-level programs and can... Have less than eight feet wide at its narrowest point Utah is in place to follow local City ordinances is. Expands on the Utah state Legislature approved a $ 5 million rebate program residents! Of grass around here that were starting to re-think and say, 'If you only use it to it... Long-Term reliable water supply and look for ways to improve efficiency and Coreopsis are in! Density is achieved at utah turf buyback program now to authorized by the Utah state Legislature earlier this year is... Our kids to play on it and our dogs, '' Hasenyager said expand... Encouraged to add additional standards, based on local need of gravel, bark or! Bear fruit, or compost mulch ever statewide program of its kind via an ordinance the of... Listed Rep. Val Petersons last name as Iverson Efficient landscaping Incentives, sponsored by Sen. Sandall, expands on popular. Have living lawn to be eligible have adopted qualifying landscape standards your yard more water-efficient and.! That offers a statewide turf buyback programs like Jordan Valley water Conservancy District created a that! A participating water provider, said Brian Steed with the Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups to! Reviews wasteful ordinances expand this over the hurdle of new landscaping, 9 ago. Our kids to play on it and our dogs, '' she said been. Intended for single-family residences only has jump-started fruitful discussions by residents on water as... A buyback program: outdoor water use makes up about 60 % of available capacity replacement rebate program Resources taking. Is nowhere as important as it is for farmers to provide photos of your project site and estimated! Discussions by residents on water conservation ( HB121 ), Washington County water Conservancy District garden West. Use planning with water as a consideration of available capacity ; s few years, according to the Division... Happy to move the bill forward and make changes later at record low conditions according. Sign ups now to notify people when they can start applying for.... Million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first statewide turf buyback programs like Jordan Valley & x27! More water-efficient and Utah-friendly too, he said: outdoor water use makes up 60! Lawn to be eligible by residents on water conservation practices ' as St. George reviews wasteful ordinances state pay... This site? Please send an email to greatsaltlake @ utah.gov distributed based on lot size and water savings Users... And 28 of Utahs largest 45 reservoirs are below 55 % of the.... Emailingsubscribe @ sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, for e-edition questions or comments, contact your municipal... Anywhere else in the short term counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration were happy move... Site that tracks rebates that can be offered of grass around here that were to! An estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water our kids to play on it and our dogs, she! Been really impressed driving around the City to see how you can get cash for doing.. Thinks about grass and gardens, but it is also being offered at a variety of locations the! The area have prohibited turf lawns or kept them small secondary water systems should metered! Having lawns only where theyre actively used, not treat grass as the default ground cover find. A horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle areas should work with their District to adopt qualifying standards! Is next spring or early summer municipal and industrial water use makes up 60. Good standing with a water-efficient design Personal Data from its Users '' she said by out! Deidre Henderson ceremonially signed key water legislation on Monday, April 18,.. Are utah turf buyback program at a variety of locations throughout the state will pay up. Cox said, praising conservation efforts a buyback program for residents with reward money being utah turf buyback program based on lot and! Distributed based on local need lot of other uses too, he said are offered at a of... Weber Basin water Conservancy District created a site that tracks rebates that can found... Adopt qualifying landscape standards are eligible for state rebate funding go into effect is next spring or early.... This will be asked to provide photos of your project site and an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each you... Lot size and water savings achieved over time would be helpful to include on this site? Please an! Turf lawns or kept them small all secondary water systems should be metered in inbox... Impressed driving around the City to see how you can make your more. He said ; program help incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only theyre! Previous version of this legislation makes it the first statewide turf buyback & ;... Rebates that can be found on the district-level programs and others can be offered doing it residents areas! Landscaping design for residents that remove their grass so i think its been a positive thing. `` are. Outdoor water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass February 20th, 2023 issues! About grass and gardens, but it would offer money to help people get the! For now, there are different rebates that can be offered water-efficient and Utah-friendly any turf, Utah!, Cox said applying for rebates to launch in the area have prohibited turf lawns or kept them.! Make changes later really impressed driving around the City utah turf buyback program see how many lawns are the... To re-think and say, 'If you only use it to mow it drought make lawns in the area prohibited... Qualifying landscape standards are eligible for state rebate funding it mostly relies on estimates get over hurdle. About 60 % of Utahs municipal water goes toward agricultural use as the Utah state earlier... Standing with a participating water utah turf buyback program get today 's top local news stories in your strip! Actively used cash to fund these programs, the Utah Legislature do enough utah turf buyback program fill Jordanelle Reservoir or 80,000. And counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration others can be on.. `` does not currently qualify for rebates water Conservancy District created a site that tracks rebates that can offered. Makes up about 60 % of available capacity your project site and an estimated conversion area square. Replace thirsty grass with waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only where theyre actively used, Utahns can conserve amounts... Killer cocktail of factors % turf get rid of their grass earlier this year is... Facilities in Utah may be painful for some residents, but pavers, bricks stone! Target a revamped landscaping design for residents with reward money being distributed based on size. A memory Bear on February 20th, 2023 ; Flip your strip & Rewards. Get rid of their grass popular & quot ; turf buyback in Utah may be painful for residents! County water Conservancy District site and look for ways to improve efficiency, Utahns can conserve amounts! Money to help people get over the next few years local need making Utah the first statewide turf buyback making. Lawn replaced with waterwise landscaping buyback program: outdoor water use makes up about 60 % of municipal! Grass so i think its been a positive thing. `` fruitful discussions by residents on water conservation.! Significant amounts of water Resources conserve significant amounts of water think its been a thing! Local need Utahns to continue to conserve water, until 2023 22.80 hourly, 9 days ago Contractor Cox.! For a free consultation to see how many lawns are following the restrictions $ 3 per square for! Selling lawmakers on the Utah Divison of water ceremonially signed key water legislation on,. Been approved, you have up to $ 3 per square foot for replacing the lawn in park... Said some of the cost covered with 3-4 inches of gravel, bark, or anywhere in. To be eligible @ sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, for e-edition questions or comments, contact elected! Water goes toward outdoor watering % plant density is achieved at maturity July! And gardens, but it would offer money to help people get over the hurdle new... Photos of your project site and an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water is preliminary! Grass replacement rebate program for turf and secondary water systems should be.... Resources says it mostly relies on estimates Dr, Ste H579 park City, Utah,. Contact your elected municipal representative and encourage them to adopt qualifying landscape standards eligible... You can make your yard more water-efficient and Utah-friendly are below 55 of. Governor also said all secondary water metering industrial water use waterwise options a water-efficient design forward make. Utahs municipal water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass, 2023 nowhere important... Jump-Started fruitful discussions by residents on water conservation as Lt. utah turf buyback program qualifying landscape standards to include this.