On the horizon: less grass and turf

As the Utah Legislature begins early this year, one issue will be cropping up that may affect special districts: the use of grass and lawns as part of landscaping.

The Fox 13 Now news website based in Salt Lake City reported that bills introduced will block cities and homeowners associations from requiring lawns on their property. Another bill will also encourage owners of commercial and government properties to eliminate “non-functional turf” on their premises.

The bill also includes some provisions specifically for government buildings. It states that buildings of that type would have no more than 20% grass and that water use would be cut by 25%.

Conservation as a concern

This ties into some other municipalities that are working on their own water conservation measures. The article cites St. George as one example, as its Mayor Michele Randall has put in several requirements, including no further construction on golf courses in that city.

It’s the continuing drought in western states that’s driving this concern. At one point in 2021, about 90% of Utah’s property was considered to be in extreme drought. This lead to several measures from state governments as well as municipalities.

The Utah Division of Water Resources also launched a summertime campaign to bring awareness to the drought, discouraging excessive watering of lawns and encouraging more use of xeriscaping and other landscaping options.

What’s the prognosis?

There has been less cause for optimism at the end of 2021 as well. Although some winter storms did come to the region in late December, November was one of the worst for drought in winter, with Utah ranking as the second driest in the Western states. Warm temperatures also didn’t help keep precipitation on the ground, although that changed with the December storms.

Among the more public effects of the drought was the Great Salt Lake, which was at its all-time lowest level during the summer. Since it affects everything from industry use of water to a natural habitat for birds, the giant lake is a writ-large symbol of the seriousness of the drought for those who live in the Beehive State.

It will be a good idea for districts to be thinking more about water conservation and was to help lessen the effects of this drought. With a concerted effort, everyone in Utah can pull together to help make our region thrive through natural emergencies such as these.

If you have any more questions about how districts or boards work in Utah, go to our website for more information.