NORTH OGDEN, Utah (KUTV) — City officials in North Ogden are raising concerns after reports surfaced of residents using indoor culinary water to keep their lawns green following a dry winter season.
Despite below-average moisture and delayed access to secondary irrigation water, some homeowners have turned to culinary water typically reserved for drinking and indoor use to maintain their yards. City leaders said the practice is not allowed and are urging residents to conserve.
In several neighborhoods, lush green lawns stand out against otherwise dry conditions, prompting concern from officials monitoring water usage.
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“We’ve seen a few reports of people out in their yards watering their lawns,” said North Ogden’s Culinary Water Superintendent Jason Reney.
The city recently issued a public warning reminding residents that culinary water should not be used for outdoor lawn irrigation. The issue appears to stem from a delay in secondary water systems, which are typically used for irrigation purposes during the warmer months.
When asked about possible enforcement, Reney said action could be taken if necessary, but it has not reached that point.
“I’m sure there’s some [enforcement] that could be done, but that would come back to code enforcement,” Reney said. “No, not yet,” he added when asked if the situation had escalated.
North Ogden relies on secondary water providers, including Pine View Water Systems and Mountain View Irrigation, to supply irrigation water. The exact reason for the delay in service remains unclear, though officials believe it is likely tied to ongoing drought conditions and a disappointing winter runoff.
Mountain View Irrigation has acknowledged the delay in a notice posted on its website. Meanwhile, Reney emphasized the importance of conservation as the region heads into hotter months.
“If you can conserve now, it will help you later on in the fall and through the hot part of the summer,” he said. “Hopefully people don’t dump water on it just because it is there.”
Reney also noted that Pine View is planning to install water meters this year to better monitor usage an update that could bring new oversight to the area.
City officials remind residents that while culinary water can be used for trees, gardens, and bushes, it is not permitted for lawns, turf, or general irrigation.
Secondary water service is expected to be turned on in May.
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