Can water-wise landscaping help save the Great Salt Lake?

SALT LAKE CITY — There’s a lot of talk about what can be done to try and keep the Great Salt Lake from drying up. As Utah’s severe drought continues, many are trying to come up with ways to preserve our dwindling water supply.

Bart Forsyth from the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District said there is something Utahns can do; replace our turf grass with native plants that take less water.

“The traditional style of landscaping, where we use mostly turf grass can no longer be done in order for us to provide a sustainable water supply,” said Forsyth. He told KSL-TV’s Dan Spindle we all have to do our part to “reduce our water depletion footprint.”

Being a water-wise example

The city of South Jordan aims to be an example for homeowners and builders by offering incentives through rebates and free, desert-friendly options to swap out their water-thirsty landscaping.

According to Clint Larson with Ivory Homes, they save 56,000 gallons per home by taking out lawns and adding things like curbing, rock and native plants.

Actions like these are predicted to save over 100 million gallons of water over last year.

“If we compare a valley that’s full of turf grass versus a valley that’s done water-wise landscaping, naturally, there’s going to be more water freed up for the lake,” said Forsyth. Dan Spindle reported that more water for the lake means more moisture for storms, more snow in our mountains and ultimately leading to more water in the Jordan River Water Shed.

Listen to Dave and Dujanovic discuss this topic in the podcast segment below.

Related:

• Gov. Cox declares Utah’s drought a state of emergency
• Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District asking communities to reduce water use