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SUMMIT COUNTY — The Snake River Water District recently adopted new landscaping regulations aimed to promote water conservation.
The regulations apply to all new landscaping projects on new construction or any other project that is new or different and requires a “tap fee” charge. This includes new construction, remodels, commercial, homeowner's association common areas, residential properties and all others. The Snake River Water District primarily serves the Keystone area of the Snake River valley.
“In our semi-arid climate, a considerable amount of water goes toward keeping landscaping lush and green,” said district administrator Barbara Mertus-Munyon. “Often, non-native plantings are used, which demand higher amounts of water. The district encourages letting Mother Nature do the gardening, by protecting existing vegetation and using native plants and xeriscaping where possible. Once established, these planting areas don't need supplemental water and are just as beautiful as nursery stock.”
The District's Water Rights in the Snake River Basin are based on actual gallons used together with a cap on total outside irrigated acres. The portfolio of irrigated acres includes areas served by installed irrigation systems, as well as areas watered by sprinklers and hand-held hoses.
The new regulations state that all “new” projects in the District will now be limited to irrigated landscaping of no more than 20 percent of the open area on a lot. The district is assessing all irrigated outside square footage on a property by property basis. Currently, existing properties will not be required to comply with the 20 percent rule. As part of the water tap fee application, a landscaping plan must be submitted showing areas to be landscaped and planting types.
For more information about the district's new landscaping policy, contact the Snake River Water District at (970) 468-0328.
The regulations apply to all new landscaping projects on new construction or any other project that is new or different and requires a “tap fee” charge. This includes new construction, remodels, commercial, homeowner's association common areas, residential properties and all others. The Snake River Water District primarily serves the Keystone area of the Snake River valley.
“In our semi-arid climate, a considerable amount of water goes toward keeping landscaping lush and green,” said district administrator Barbara Mertus-Munyon. “Often, non-native plantings are used, which demand higher amounts of water. The district encourages letting Mother Nature do the gardening, by protecting existing vegetation and using native plants and xeriscaping where possible. Once established, these planting areas don't need supplemental water and are just as beautiful as nursery stock.”
The District's Water Rights in the Snake River Basin are based on actual gallons used together with a cap on total outside irrigated acres. The portfolio of irrigated acres includes areas served by installed irrigation systems, as well as areas watered by sprinklers and hand-held hoses.
The new regulations state that all “new” projects in the District will now be limited to irrigated landscaping of no more than 20 percent of the open area on a lot. The district is assessing all irrigated outside square footage on a property by property basis. Currently, existing properties will not be required to comply with the 20 percent rule. As part of the water tap fee application, a landscaping plan must be submitted showing areas to be landscaped and planting types.
For more information about the district's new landscaping policy, contact the Snake River Water District at (970) 468-0328.
