By leaving the ice in this year and not letting it melt and then freeze again, the water savings will be substantial. Secondary water is a water source thats not treated and non-potable. "When a lot of these landscape ordinances were passed, the goal was wanting to keep the community vibrant and look well-maintained. The bill passed on the 3rd reading and will now be considered in the House. Did the Utah Legislature do enough to save the Great Salt Lake? 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. Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed. 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. 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. Also in the midst of planning are potential new water storage projects in Utah. H.B. Legislative Research and General Counsel. The 2023 legislative session is also shaping up to be another year of water investment. We have a couple of fires burning right now, but theyre 90% under control. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall. Roughly $100 million of that. We need to expand this over the next few years. "They loved how the project has come out. The state passed a bill trying to change that. "Instead of having a lot of grass, maybe only have 10% of your lawn be grass? But theres still a lot we need to do," she said. The governor also said all secondary water systems should be metered. The state passed a bill trying to change that. Sponsored by Rep. Val Peterson, R-Orem, HB242 provides $250 million in grants to fast track the metering of secondary water. 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! Heres what to expect. I can tell you that other states are looking at Utah very jealously right now. Even if lawmakers find the cash to fund these programs, the earliest they will go into effect is next spring or early summer. has said it has enough water to get through this year, but plans are being made for drastic measures in the years to come. 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. You must apply for the program before starting your park strip project. Last year was pretty stressful, said Brian Steed with the Department of Natural Resources. Maybe its because our stories are so similar, I wasnt worried about ChatGPT until I tried ChatGPT. Very low water levels at Jordanelle Reservoir in Wasatch County are pictured after Gov. A water conservation bill currently in the Legislature would also require the state to reduce outdoor water use. S.B. . If your community does not currently qualify for rebates, contact your elected municipal representative and encourage them to adopt qualifying landscape standards. First-of-its-kind legislation passed in . He noted the water savings achieved over time would be enough to fill Jordanelle Reservoir or approximately 80,000 acre-feet. Projects that replace lawn with artificial turf are not eligible. Deidre Henderson, Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District General Manager Bart Forsyth, Central Utah Water Conservancy District Water Conservation Manager Ricky Maloy and others attended the announcement at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy Districts Conservation Garden in West Jordan. The state will pay for up to 50 percent of the cost. (Remember, killing or removing your lawn before this visit will make your park strip ineligible for a rebate). "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. Any culinary water use on lawns remains against city ordinance, and residents who abuse that rule could be subject to a fine as high as $250. If you have already killed or removed lawn, your application will be denied. If we can cut back on that, weve already had substantial savings. It's something Kari said she encourages. During the legislative session, there was significant action to help the Great Salt Lake, which reached its historic low last year and continues to shrink. No, this program requires plants and drip irrigation to be installed. The program, authorized by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is expected to launch in the spring. Sixty percent of our municipal water goes toward outdoor watering. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to notify people when they can start applying for rebates. To all those people who asked what are YOU going to do, this is the answer, Cox said. However, the Utah Department of Natural Resources is taking sign ups now to. Central Utah Water Conservancy District announced the launch of two new water conservation incentive programs: its own Flip Your Strip & Localscapes Rewards. Residents in these areas are eligible for rebates. "What were looking at is when you only walk on it once a week (to mow it), you really shouldnt have that grass.". Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. Spencer Cox said Thursday. House/ received bill from Legislative Research. Against the backdrop of a half-full Jordanelle Reservoir, Cox and Lt. Gov. Is there a connection? People can buy it for $8.50 a bag, which will cover 1,000 square feet. Click here to sign in and see program availability. Legislative Research and General Counsel. What is skijoring? 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. This Application collects some Personal Data from its Users. Rebate amount varies by location. The Washington County Water Conservancy District offers tips for how to convert to desert-friendly landscaping. HB 121 appropriated $5 million for statewide turf buyback, making Utah the first that offers a statewide rebate program. Cox said. Depending on where you live, there are different rebates that can be offered. As water managers warn of worst on record drought, what do people think should be done to save water? SB 110 Requires a water use and preservation element to be part of a municipal or county general plan. Appropriated $5 million for a statewide turf buyback program. If landscape fabric is used (not recommended), it must be permeable to water and air. 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. 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. 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. Cox also said there are fewer wildfires burning in Utah in recent weeks, despite the increased danger from dry conditions. The this is the Utah Legislatures passage of a dozen water-related bills and ensuing endorsement by Cox that transform them into law. In addition to urging Utahns to continue to conserve water, Gov. BLM says its because of a killer cocktail of factors. "As a city? The requirement that general plans of cities and counties integrate land use planning with water as a consideration. 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. $19.20 - $22.80 hourly, 9 days ago Contractor Participate in Skijoring the Bear on February 20th, 2023. This year, Im getting quite nervous as we have had multiple months without the water we need.. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax Communities can work with either a partner water district or the division to adopt landscape standards that qualify for the statewide program. Tasked the division with making state agency conservation data . Spencer Cox and Lt. Yes, but it is your responsibility to clear the project with your HOA. Sign up for our TownLift Daily Newsletter and get today's top local news stories in your inbox. 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. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! Cox hails generational effort in Utahs water law history, What happened after a governor asked his state to pray for rain, Anatomy of a drought: How the West may change for decades to come, How bad is the Western drought? Governor warns water restrictions could come early with 90% of Utah in extreme drought, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall issued a drought advisory. Stay in the loop when you subscribe for free. New study says worst in 1,200 years. HB121 prohibited certain lawn or turf requirements and imposed conservation requirements for state agencies. 121. Realistically, they wont bear fruit, or water, until 2023. Apply for the program through your WaterSmart Customer Portal at mywater.stpud.us or contact the District for assistance at conservewater@stpud.us or 530-544-6474. ii. Let it go," the mayor said. Max Peck of West Jordan runs through the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District garden in West Jordan on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Also attending are, from left, Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed, St. George Mayor Michele Randall, Lt. Following our visit, you will also receive a summary report including information . 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. 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. Submit completion photos of your project online. SALT LAKE CITY Most of Utah's municipal water goes outdoors about 70 percent. "Grass is not the enemy. Now, for the bad news. "But in the long run? The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy. Last month, Utah Gov. Communities outside of a partner water districts service area, including unincorporated areas, should work with the division. Roughly $100 million of that is already going toward implementing water meters on secondary water systems statewide. Water Conservation Program staff will contact you to schedule a lawn verification site visit. The biggest hurdle will be selling lawmakers on the idea. This is a huge win for Utah. 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. 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. Call said this summer has jump-started fruitful discussions by residents on water conservation practices. Turf buyback programs like Jordan Valley's . Utahs 2022 legislative session concluded with a record number of water conservation bills and appropriations totaling nearly $500 million in spending. Then theres how to pay for it. 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. The program will follow Central Utah Water Conservancy District, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy, and Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, which all offer similar programs in their territories. 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. The passage of this legislation makes it the first ever statewide program of its kind. 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. 1/10/2022. 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. The full statewide program will launch through utahwatersavers.com in spring 2023. 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. The governor announced four focus areas the state will fast-track to further advance water conservation and water planning: Lt. Gov. Weve scoured the web for you and narrowed down a few of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas to make your planning easy. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. "It still has to be somewhat alive. "When a lot of these. "Theres going to be people that are going to have some pain points on this," Mayor Randall said. HB 121 also requires water conservation at state facilities. 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. The measure, HB410, tasks the Utah Department of Natural Resources with undergoing a selection process for a conservation organization that will be in charge of the trust and award money for restoration in the Great Salt Lake watershed and the acquisition of water rights to benefit the lake. In addition to programs like "turf buyback," the Legislature is working with our state's farmers and ranchers to better conserve and utilize water for agriculture. 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.. Concrete areas do not qualify for a square foot rebate, but pavers, bricks, stone, and other permeable materials are permitted. 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. Some towns are already out of water, such as Echo in Summit County which has been forced to truck in drinking water from Henefer. 06 Feb 2023 19:59:44 No matter what Cox proposes, there wont be any impact in the near term. Turf buyback programs like " Flip Your Strip " program help incentivize people to replace thirsty grass with waterwise options. 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