Utah County is trying to conserve water by reducing irrigation water usage at county parks by an average of 40%, according to a resolution approved by the county commissioners on Wednesday.
The resolution comes the day after Gov. Spencer Cox revealed a new order which limits how often state entities can water their lawns. He asked cities and counties to limit their watering, too, as the state faces a severe drought.
Under the Utah County resolution, parks will prioritize watering trees and perennial plants over grass and annual plants under the resolution. Only trees will be watered at the Spanish Fork River Park, for example. Utah County is trying to reduce water usage by 35% for the grounds and landscaping it maintains. The percentage of reduction will vary from grounds to grounds, according to the resolution, just as it will from park to park.
Utah County Commissioner Bill Lee said in a news release that he encourages residents to help do their part to conserve water by cutting back on lawn watering and limiting shower time.
“I believe it is important for government to lead by example, which is why I directed our Utah County Public Works department to look into reducing water usage in parks and on the grounds of our county buildings,” he said. “During this drought, we all must do what we can to protect our most precious natural resource.”
