Yes, but it is your responsibility to clear the project with your HOA. Communities can work with either a partner water district or the division to adopt landscape standards that qualify for the statewide program. To conserve, we need to plant grass in areas where its actively used, not treat grass as the default ground cover. Tasked the division with making state agency conservation data . Asking people to conserve is not a bad idea in terms of our water usage, said Brian Steed, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources. 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. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. Cox said. These requirements include waterwise landscape standards for new residential developments. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Enter your email to be notified when new rebates and programs are offered in your area. 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. Perennial plants must cover at least 50% of the converted park strip at maturity. First, the property must have living and maintained grass and intend to replace it with a drought-resistant type of landscaping. 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. This is a huge win for Utah. "When a lot of these. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. This year, though, Utah became the first in the nation to implement a statewide turf buyback program. Bill Numbered but not Distributed. After the press event, Cox told the Deseret News that the drought has not taken controversial water development projects like the Lake Powell Pipeline and Bear River Development plan off the table. Information on the district-level programs and others can be found on the Utah Water Savers site. 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. Spencer Cox speaks about water conservation as Lt. Gov. and establishing a statewide turf buyback program. This drought has caused all of us to reevaluate how we conserve and motivated us to do more, Gov. Despite pleas from her children about running through the sprinklers to ease the summer heat, Baker said her response is a firm no.. . It. As water managers warn of worst on record drought, what do people think should be done to save water? 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. The bill passed on the 3rd reading and will now be considered in the House. Groundcover plants can qualify as mulch if 100% plant density is achieved at maturity. 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. Concrete areas do not qualify for a square foot rebate, but pavers, bricks, stone, and other permeable materials are permitted. Some towns are already out of water, such as Echo in Summit County which has been forced to truck in drinking water from Henefer. But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. Lambs ears and Coreopsis are pictured in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. 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. No, we do not promote the removal of trees from landscapes; however, trees must be watered with the installed drip irrigation system following conversion. They tore out turf and replaced it with native plants and rocks. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! Gov. 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. 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. Utah's 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water-related bills and appropriations. Water Conservation Program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site visit. Read all of our stories atgreatsaltlakenews.org. 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. SALT LAKE CITY Most of Utah's municipal water goes outdoors about 70 percent. $16.00 hourly. The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. I understand why they may want to use water more, but I think the restrictions we have been given are still enough to keep our yards from completely drying out, she said. We have a couple of fires burning right now, but theyre 90% under control. The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy. 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. Trees will not be considered in density calculations. And can he win? 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. Previously converted park strips do not qualify for this program at this time. 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. The rebate is $1.25 per square foot of turf removed and replaced 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. Metering secondary water systems, working with farmers and ranchers, and starting a statewide turf buyback program are all steps Utah needs to take to be more waterwise. Statewide turf buyback program Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of our municipaland industrial water use. The idea is very preliminary, but it would offer money to help people get over the hurdle of new landscaping. 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. Legislative Research and General Counsel. To install SLC Turf Trade, you will have to kill your existing lawn. Qualifications: You must live in a qualifying city (see the list below). All Rights Reserved, How can people save water in drought? 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. We have not put a lot of time and effort into our yard. ST. GEORGE, Utah Wilson and Kari Jimenez are thrilled with how their yard looks. Participate in Skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023. 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. Secondary water is a water source thats not treated and non-potable. The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. The city's famed golf courses have made changes with an eye toward water savings. 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. If we can cut back on that, weve already had substantial savings. 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. People can buy it for $8.50 a bag, which will cover 1,000 square feet. 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. Everybody thinks about grass and gardens, but there are a lot of other uses too, he said. 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. Even if lawmakers find the cash to fund these programs, the earliest they will go into effect is next spring or early summer. Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. 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. Against the backdrop of a half-full Jordanelle Reservoir, Cox and Lt. Gov. Will horrific drought make lawns in the West a memory? Projects required by governmental codes or policy are not eligible for this program. The programs are available to all eight counties within the districts coverage area and being funded at a half million dollars. All rights reserved. Sign up for our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get today's top local news stories in your inbox. Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, who works on water issues for the Legislature called the idea intriguing, but he is worried about whether it can be implemented fairly. SALT LAKE CITY The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and []. Plants may not exceed 24 inches in height at maturity. But the bill also requires the state to take steps to conserve water. deductible, Report a missed paper by [email protected] calling801-237-2900, For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or [email protected]. 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. In new commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-family development common area landscapes, lawn areas shall not exceed 20% of the total landscaped area, outside of active recreation areas. Roughly $100 million of that. During the 2022 legislative session, the Division of Water Resources received $5 million to implement a statewide grass replacement rebate program. Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here. Applicant must be in good standing with a participating water provider. Your park strip needs to have living lawn to be eligible. SALT LAKE CITY Most of Utahs municipal water goes outdoors about 70 percent. 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? Officials and advocates spoke in favor of the bill. Cities can opt in for their residents, who can be compensated $1 per square foot of lawn strip removal or $1.25 if they take a class. 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. The biggest hurdle will be selling lawmakers on the idea. About 70% of Utahs municipal water use is outside the home, mostly for thirsty turfgrass. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax Gov. Weve taken the guesswork out of it for you with our ready-made plans. "These programs are typically offered at the local level, we're not aware of any state that offers such a program. 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. Attend a park strip class. The Washington County Water Conservancy District offers tips for how to convert to desert-friendly landscaping. 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. 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. Spencer Cox and Lt. "Were lush. 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. a. Turf buyback . The Jimenezes' neighbors have admired the landscaping project and expressed an interest in doing it themselves. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to. Are we overreacting about the future of Twitter? 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 identifying acres and acres of turf that were going to be removing so we can conserve water. Weve seen significant reductions in water usage across the state. Submit completion photos of your project online. Unpaid water bills will disqualify applicants from the Flip Your Strip program. Max Peck of West Jordan runs through the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Thats a good first start.. With the dramatic decline of the Great Salt Lake and repeated pleas from state leaders to conserve water in the ongoing mega-drought, people have remarked at the high cost of replacing landscaping with drought-friendly turf. Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of Utahs municipal and industrial water use. 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. Residents in these areas are eligible for rebates. Cox discussed new policies his administration is hoping to push forward, like a buyback program for turf and secondary water metering. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! 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. Click here to sign in and see program availability. 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. Sign up for a free consultation to see how you can make your yard more water-efficient and Utah-friendly. 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. Through state and district partnerships, eligible participants may receive up to $3 per square foot of lawn replaced with waterwise landscaping. Download one of our easy park strip designs and start there. Statewide turf buyback program Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of our municipal and industrial water use. Applicants must be participating voluntarily. Every water district has reported significant savings compared to this time last year and in years past, Cox said, praising conservation efforts. The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. 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. Review the eligibility tab to ensure that your project qualifies for a rebate. 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.. Also attending are, from left, Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Lt. Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson, R-Orem, HB242 provides $250 million in grants to fast track the metering of secondary water. The this is the Utah Legislatures passage of a dozen water-related bills and ensuing endorsement by Cox that transform them into law. The program encourages waterwise landscaping, including having lawns only where theyre actively used. Let it go," the mayor said. While the winter overflow system in Salt Lake County has been expanded this winter, the availability of beds has been a consistent issue. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to notify people when they can start applying for rebates. The largest share goes toward agriculture, which accounts for more than 72% according to figures from the United States Geological Survey. 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. H.B. The newly passed turf buy-back bill encourages people to replace their lawns with landscaping that uses less water. 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. The bills, which will be . HB 121 also requires water conservation at state facilities. "Because its more work!". Personal Data: various types of Data as specified in the privacy policy of the service. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. Whether if you are looking at the water conditions, we were facing last year. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. 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. 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. Washington County Water Conservancy District. Free Localscapes Rewards programs classes are offered at a variety of locations throughout the state. These types of programs are typically offered at the local level. S.B. If lawn has been killed or removed prior to a pre-conversion site visit, you are not eligible for this program. Establish a statewide turf buyback program: Outdoor water use makes up about 60% of municipal and industrial water use. Maybe its because our stories are so similar, I wasnt worried about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT. . The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. In cases where metering is already happening, the savings have been as much as 30%. To register visit. Have a story idea or tip? Rebate information for Washington County residents is available on the Washington County Water Conservancy District site. Taller plants block views, impede safety, and can interfere with city maintenance. "It still has to be somewhat alive. The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. To all those people who asked what are YOU going to do, this is the answer, Cox said. Click here to sign in and see program availability. Heres what to expect. 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. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. No, this program is intended for single-family residences only. This is generational.. SB 110 Requires a water use and preservation element to be part of a municipal or county general plan. 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. This bill is one I would consider generationally one of the most important pieces of legislation that you will see, he said. The goalis to plant grass in areas where it's actively used The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. Clerk of the House. Photo: Kevin Cody. Under Flip Your Strip, $1 per square foot is offered or $1.25 per square foot if a free park strip class is attended. Receive up to $1.25 per square foot for replacing the lawn in your park strip with a water-efficient design. 06 Feb 2023 19:59:44 It is unclear exactly how much water goes toward agricultural use as the Utah Divison of Water Resources says it mostly relies on estimates. 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. "We've done it ourselves to save the water. It is also being offered at Weber Basin Water Conservancy District because Layton City adopted via an ordinance the institution of the program. The governor also said all secondary water systems should be metered. , eligible participants may receive up to $ 3 per square foot replacing. 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Famed golf courses have made changes with an expected rollout in the spring legislation that you will see he..., with an expected rollout in the nation to implement a statewide turf buyback program Outdoor water use up. Live, there are a lot we need to do, '' said... Whole family can enjoy those people who asked what are you going to do more, Gov with making agency! Transform them into law pay utah turf buyback program up to $ 3 per square foot of turf removed replaced! Record drought, what do people think should be metered the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign now... Safety, and [ ] think should be metered yard looks get over the hurdle of new landscaping hurdle. Jordan Valley water Conservancy District because Layton CITY adopted via an ordinance the institution of the converted strip. And see program availability people when they can start applying for rebates municipal or County plan! Rollout in the spring plants may not exceed 24 inches in height at.... 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