Water Conservation
2022 Drought Update
On April 21, 2022, Governor Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency due to the dire drought conditions in Utah. This year’s snowpack is 25% below normal, with 99% of Utah in severe drought and 43% in extreme drought. Overall, Utah reservoirs are at 59% of capacity, and snow water equivalent is at approximately 75%. Granger-Hunter Improvement District currently does not have any mandatory watering restrictions in place but is encouraging customers to actively conserve water. Conservation during outdoor irrigation is especially vital, since it accounts for approximately 2/3rds of our overall water use. The Weekly Lawn Watering Guide shown below from the Utah Division of Water Resources is an excellent tool to help residents conserve water. In 2021, Granger-Hunter’s customers saved approximately 10%-15% overall due to the drought. Well done! Please visit the links at the bottom of this page for additional information on the drought and what we can all do to help.
Things You Can Do
- Water Less – It takes approximately 3,000 gallons of water each time you water the average quarter-acre yard. That can cost over $6 each time you water your grass. You should be watering two times per week.
- Don’t water if it’s windy – If the wind speed is above 5 mph, much of the water will blow where it’s not needed and evaporate.
- Water at the right time – Don’t water between 10 AM and 6 PM. This reduces evaporation loss.
- Prioritize your watering – water trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals before grass.
- Raise your mower – set your blade at 3-4 inches high. This can help grass grow deeper roots and provide more shade to reduce evaporation loss.
- Get a rebate – rebates for smart irrigation controllers and low-flow toilets are available at utahwatersavers.com
- Convert unnecessary grass areas to waterwise landscapes – visit utahwatersavers.com and localscapes.com for localscapes information and how to receive cash rewards.
Watering Guide
Currently, the “Extreme Drought Watering Guide” is taking the place of the regular weekly lawn watering guide and focuses on “survival watering.” The guide is updated weekly and can be found here: https://conservewater.utah.gov/weekly-lawn-watering-guide
Landscape Leadership Grant
Funding is available to builders, developers, commercial businesses, institutions, and HOAs for water-efficient landscaping projects. Visit jvwcd.org/landscapeleadershipgrant to apply.