New executive order requires all state facilities to follow water conservation rules
On May 3rd, Governor Spencer J. Cox made an executive order that forbids any state facilities from irrigating between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
However, as of June 8th, Governor Spencer J. Cox issued an updated order that requires all state facilities to reduce their landscape watering.
This new order states that state facilities in northern Utah must reduce water usage to two days per week and facilities in southern Utah must reduce to three days per week.
Gov. Cox stated, “We want to be sure that we protect our trees and other plants, but lawns are resilient.”
The original order was announced in a News Release that stated it’s a response to “ongoing concerns about extremely dry conditions.”
In the News Release, Gov. Cox also made his own statement regarding Utah’s conditions.
‘“Last year, Utah experienced one of the driest and hottest years on record and we anticipate another tough drought year ahead,’” he said, ‘State government is committed to doing its part to conserve water and we encourage all Utahns to use this most precious resource wisely and sparingly.’”
And although there isn’t an executive order for any other types of facilities at this time, it is strongly encouraged that local governments delay the start of their irrigation and all Utahns do their best to reduce their water use by being water efficient.
However, the new order specifically stated that they’re asking businesses, municipalities and property owners to “follow suit” and be conscious that even eliminating one watering cycle can make a difference.
The previous executive order also required state facilities to have all sprinklers completely shut off during rain storms and ensure all watering systems are working efficiently, which continues to be in effect.
As for Utah State University, this order shouldn’t have a big negative impact according to some.
David Anderson, an Associate Professor at USU and specialist in Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning, stated that USU has implemented good methods and practices for years that have always worked towards conserving water.
“I’m confident [USU’s] landscape managers will work hard to keep the campus looking as good as possible and at the same time adhere to any directive given by the State of Utah.”
Anderson also explained that USU has “champion trees” on the campus so he suspects that the university will prioritize those trees to keep those healthy and let other areas, like turf, have less water.
The very first order released back in the middle of March, announced a state of emergency and made the public aware of the alarming drought conditions and recommended water precautions to all Utahns.
It also urged cities and counties to implement their own water restriction plans.
Trent Smith, a sophomore at USU, believes that both orders will help Utahns become aware of the need to conserve water, but that state facilities will still find a way to disobey.
“I feel like if they really need the water, then they’re going to use it because their facility is going to be their priority rather than focusing on everyone else, especially when Utah is already known as a desert.”
Although Smith did admit that each of the executive orders from Governor Cox are a good first step in the right direction and are necessary given the current state conditions.
Professor Anderson also explained that drought is something that happens in many areas for various lengths of time all over the world and can be somewhat estimated by climate forecasters who monitor global weather patterns.
Because these estimations are out there and showing an extended period of lack of precipitation, Anderson also agreed that this new executive order is appropriate.
According to the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), which uses the U.S. Drought Monitor to update the status of state conditions, the specific conditions for the majority of Utah is currently considered to be an “exceptional drought,” and the amount of water is continually decreasing each week.
This data goes hand in hand with the statistics in the News Release that stated Utah has had a record dry and near record hot year in 2020.
“The statewide snowpack reached approximately 81% of normal and peaked 10 days early. The state’s reservoir storage has decreased 14% over the past year.”
With these stats, there is a lot that Utahns can also do to do their part in helping prevent an extreme drought.
Slow the Flow, an organization dedicated specifically to “save H20”, suggests tips for reducing water use.
Some ideas included reusing cooking water to water plants, filling the sink with water to rinse off dishes or vegetables, and even something as simple as making sure all your leaks in your house are fixed.
Dr. Niel Allen, an associate professor at USU and Irrigation Specialist, added to the list and said, “the largest opportunity for Utahn’s to conserve water is through good management of irrigation systems.”
There is also a way to report water wasting if you see others not following proper precautions, in a way that brings awareness rather than shame or negative attention.
ABC4 News reported something moderated by the Utah Division of Water Resources, known as The Hall of Fame or Shame, which allows Utahns to report individuals, businesses or organizations for water wasting.
The article states that people can also report incidents to the water agency responsible for water in that individual’s area and that these agencies can enforce good water practices.
Marcie McCartney, an Education Manager at the Utah Division of Water Resources, explained to ABC4 News, “‘Anybody who does their part conserving water is going to get a little frustrated to see others wasting.’”
However, people should remember that there could definitely be valid reasons for someone to have their water on, so always keep an open mind.
In the end, this executive order is meant for state facilities, but it’s important to understand that everyone can still do their part to help conserve water and hopefully Utahns can all do their best to reduce the negative effects from the drought.
Jacee.caldwell@usu.edu
@JaceeCaldwell