SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — As drought conditions intensify across Utah, Salt Lake City officials have stepped up efforts to reduce water consumption and urged residents to do the same.
The city declared a Stage Two drought advisory and aimed to cut water use by 10 million gallons per day. To help meet that goal, Salt Lake City Public Utilities implemented a variety of conservation measures, including planting drought-tolerant grass that uses significantly less water than traditional lawns.
The grass seed, thanks to Utah State University and Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance, is part of the city’s efforts to reduce its water consumption and uses about 40% less water than a typical lawn.
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The city has not yet turned on irrigation systems at some sites and is encouraging residents to delay watering until mid-May.
“There has been no water on for the irrigation system here yet,” said Stephanie Duer, water conservation manager for Salt Lake City Public Utilities, while showing one of the demonstration areas.
Despite those efforts, officials said the city is still struggling to meet its conservation target.
“We’re not quite making it,” Duer admitted.
City, county, state and federal properties are all being required to reduce water use under the drought advisory. Water budgets for public sites are based on historical usage data and the size of each property. Indoor water use is also expected to decrease by 10%.
“City, county, state and federal have a required reduction,” Duer explained. “They have meters for sites like this, and they are required to stay within their water budget.”
To ensure compliance, the city is closely monitoring water usage and providing agencies with regular updates.
“We’re monitoring that water usage and then compiling monthly data and comparing that water use to their irrigation budget,” Duer said. “We let them know how close they are to getting to their budget amount so we can avoid going over those budgets.”
The city is also removing sections of traditional grass, replacing some areas with more water-efficient turf, installing water-wise plants, and upgrading to high-efficiency sprinkler systems.
Still, some public spaces require irrigation to remain functional and healthy. “There are some sites that have to water,” Duer said. “Golf courses might already be watering. Parks have had to water some sites to relieve tree stress.”
Officials said they are taking a long-term approach to water management amid uncertain snowpack and future supply concerns.
“While in the moment we have supply to meet our needs as a utility, we are focused on making sure we have enough water to meet next year’s needs and the year after that because we don’t know what the snow will do,” Duer said.
In addition to outdoor conservation efforts, Salt Lake City estimates that other indoor efficiency upgrades could save about 5 million gallons of water annually.
The city is also selling drought-tolerant grass seed at cost to residents and businesses within city limits in an effort to encourage more water-friendly landscaping.
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