Mayor’s Message

Water Efficient Landscape Program

Did you know that the average American spends about 70 hours a year mowing their lawn? That’s a lot of time that could be spent enjoying the beautiful amenities of our city. Well, I’ve got some exciting news that might just help you reclaim those precious hours and contribute to our community’s well-being in a unique way.

Fall is an ideal time to take advantage of the Washington County Water Conservancy District’s Water Efficient Landscape Program. This  new program not only offers you a chance to bid farewell to the ongoing battle with your lawnmower, but also provides you with a rebate of $2 per square foot to assist with the cost of removing areas of unwanted grass and replacing it with native, water efficient, landscaping.

Now, here’s a fact to consider: traditional grass lawns are thirsty creatures, consuming the equivalent of 6 feet of water depth per square foot annually. In our arid climate, maintaining that lush carpet of green requires large amounts of water, not to mention the fertilizer and other resources we invest in them. The Water Efficient Landscape Program is here as a smart alternative.

I’m not talking about replacing all grass, specifically where it’s used for things like picnics, recreation, and so forth. The target is decorative turf in front and side yards, or unnecessary park strips that only get walked on when being mowed. By removing underutilized grass and adopting water-efficient landscaping, you’re not just embracing a conscientious alternative, you’re contributing to water conservation efforts that benefit our entire community. Those gallons of water you save today translate into a more resilient water supply for the future for all of us in Southern Utah.

The process is as simple as can be. Start with a visit to wcwcd.org to learn more details, and when you’re ready, simply click on the link to submit your application. Next, you must participate in a pre-conversion site visit to measure and assess your lawn area, and to confirm eligibility. Then, design a water-wise landscape, remove the grass, and before you know it you’re on your way to saving water and saving time.

As the Mayor of Washington City, I’m proud to endorse and promote this valuable rebate program, and we’re already seeing great results. To date, over 1,450 applications have been received, and over $1 million in rebates have been issued across Washington County. That equates to more than 650,000 square feet of grass removed and replaced with native landscaping, saving approximately 30 million gallons of water annually!

Among the top concerns I hear from residents is available water supply to sustain life and livelihoods. This rebate program is an opportunity for us to be part of the solution, save water, save time, and make a meaningful difference in our community. This is a completely voluntary program, but if you are ready to trade in your lawnmower for a water-wise landscape and a little extra cash to help do the job, then participating in the Water Efficient Landscape Program is a great opportunity.

-Kress Staheli

Mayor

kress@washingtoncity.org