UTAH'S DROUGHT

Governor Cox Plans More Aggressive Water Conservation Measures

Jul 29, 2021, 5:44 PM | Updated: 7:45 pm

WEST JORDAN, Utah Even though Utah is receiving incredible rainfall in some parts of the state, the drought is far from over. So, Governor Spencer Cox plans to get aggressive about saving more water.

In a press conference today, the Governor said every water district statewide has reported significant water savings this year compared to the same time last year. But, due to the historic drought, everyone needs to do more, and it all starts with outdoor watering. That’s where 60% of Utah’s water goes.

Using the Conservation Garden at Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District as a backdrop, the governor focused on fast tracking water conservation.

He wants meters installed on secondary water systems statewide, which includes 1/3 of all residential customers. The majority of those connections are unmetered, and you can’t manage what you don’t measure, the governor said. According to state statistics, areas that have installed secondary meters reduced water usage 20 to 30%.

He also thinks water efficient landscape ordinances should be required from any development proposal. His goal: all new development will be water wise.

Governor Cox also wants to start a statewide turf buyback program to encourage all of us to replace some turf with water wise plants. He believes it would be the first state wide turf buyback program in the country.

“We need to plant grass in areas where it’s actively used, rather than using grass as the default ground cover that’s only walked on when it’s mowed,” Cox said.

That’s one of the core principals at the Conservation Garden. They haven’t completely eliminated turf grass from the garden, but they have replaced much of it with water wise plants.

“You can save about 2/3 of the water over a traditional landscape that’s all turf grass,” said Bart Forsyth, general manager at Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District. “So, the curb appeal is great. The functional use of the yard is wonderful, and that’s exactly what I think Utah homeowners want.”

Many Utahns have already removed grass from parking strips which are inefficient for watering.

Right now, Utah’s water agencies are developing an expanded state water plan. And, that will be critical. The water manager at Jordan Valley Water tells me he’s very concerned about next year, as our water resources continue to shrink. That’s why it’s so important to turn off our sprinklers whenever we get some rain.

KSL 5 TV Live

Utah's Drought

The Glen Canyon Dam holds back the waters of Lake Powell in Page, Arizona, on July 18, 2022. Lake P...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Here’s how much Lake Powell is expected to rise this year

Lake Powell is expected to receive a decent bump in the coming months, but experts say it still has a "long way to go" after years of drought.

8 days ago

Jordanelle Reservoir. 12/19/2033 (Michael Jefferson)...

Eliza Pace

Utah’s water conditions, including snowpack, look ‘optimistic,’ experts say

Storms from January have increased snowpack levels and Utah's water supply shows signs of "resilience and abundance."

1 month ago

Utah Lake water release...

Alex Cabrero

Utah Lake release sends 300 million gallons of water a day into the Great Salt Lake

The Utah Lake control gates in Saratoga Springs opened Thursday morning to release water into the Great Salt Lake.

2 months ago

The snow northern Utah finally got the past few weeks put us in a comfortable spot, according to th...

Alex Cabrero

Snowpack totals are in a ‘comfortable spot’ for northern Utah

Northern Utah's snowpack is in a good spot, but state water officials are worried about southern part of the state.

2 months ago

Brock Peery and his daughter Berkley, 6, walk back to their car during a snowstorm in Salt Lake Cit...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Utah research may change everything we know about snowfall

A new study led by University of Utah researchers offers new insight into how and why snowflakes fall the way they do.

3 months ago

During a possible drought in Southwest Utah, Washington County Water Conservatory said its infrastr...

Alex Cabrero

Washington County: Infrastructure will remedy possible drought in southwest Utah

During a possible drought in southwest Utah, Washington County Water Conservatory said its infrastructure ensures drinking water is safe, but conservation should still always be part of life in the desert.

3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Governor Cox Plans More Aggressive Water Conservation Measures