WASHINGTON COUNTY, UT REMOVED MORE THAN 115,000 SQUARE FEET OF GRASS FOR STATEWIDE LANDSCAPE CONVERSION EVENT Saving more than 4 million gallons of water annually
St. George, UT
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May 20, 2022 11:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Washington County, Utah removed more than 115,000 square feet of grass yesterday during Flip Blitz, a statewide landscape conversion event that replaced grass with water-efficient landscaping. More than 250 volunteers converted grass to water-wise landscaping at city offices, parks, cemeteries, and homes throughout the county. The conversion will save more than 4 million gallons of water every year – equivalent to the annual water use of approximately 20 homes.
“We’re just getting started with our grass removal efforts,” said Zach Renstrom, general manager of the Washington County Water Conservancy District (district). “Because we live in a drought-prone desert, we must work together to stretch every drop of our limited water supply. We’re asking people to replace non-functional grass with desert-friendly landscapes. There are beautiful alternatives that use much less water.”
Removing non-functional grass is gaining speed in southern Utah. The cities of St. George, Washington, Santa Clara and Ivins have recently removed 109,000 square feet of grass and have plans to remove another 367,000 square feet in the next year. Once completed, the cities will have removed nearly 600,000 square feet of non-functional grass.
In addition, Washington County and the cities of Santa Clara and Washington have passed ordinances that prohibit or limit the amount of grass allowed in new developments. Similar ordinances are currently being considered by the county’s other major population centers.
Statewide, Flip Blitz removed more than 135,000 square feet of grass from Utah landscapes – 85% of that coming from Washington County.
“Washington County is a leader in water conservation,” said Candice Hasenyager, director, Utah Division of Water Resources. “The county’s efforts have extended a finite water resource to create one of the fastest growing communities in America.”
Flip Blitz projects in Washington County included:
- 48,000 square feet from Gubler Park in Santa Clara
- 43,000 square feet from Sunbrook HOA in St. George
- 12,000 square feet from Nisson Park in Washington City
- 7,000 square feet from Washington City Cemetery in Washington City
- 4,225 square feet from Unity Park in Ivins
- 1,000 square feet from city offices in Toquerville
- 442 square feet from residential properties in St George
Projects were funded by participating cities and the district.
About Washington County Water Conservancy District
The Washington County Water Conservancy District is a not-for-profit public agency that oversees water resources in Washington County, Utah Visit wcwcd.org for more information.
Contact Details
Washington County Water Conservancy District
Karry Rathje
+1 435-673-3617
Company Website
