The Utah Division of Water Resources has implemented a new Extreme Drought Watering Guide to replace the traditional Weekly Lawn Watering Guide. This change comes as extreme drought continues to affect the state, shifting the focus toward survival watering strategies.
The new guide aims to reflect necessary drought actions by prioritizing minimal watering levels required to keep grass alive during these conditions.
Under the new guidelines, watering schedules are determined by region. In northern Utah, the guide recommends watering two times a week, while southern Utah is advised to water three times a week.
Because 60% of residential water use in Utah is applied to outdoor landscapes, officials are asking residents to find ways to reduce usage. For an average quarter-acre yard in Utah, eliminating just one watering session can save approximately 3,000 gallons.
While using water efficiently is considered a best practice that saves money, the Division of Water Resources stated that helping to stretch the water supply is critical during extreme drought. Additional water-saving tips and drought actions are available at slowtheflow.org.
