South Jordan has long prioritized water conservation, implementing measures to ensure sustainable water use as the City grows. One of the earliest steps in this direction was the appointment of a dedicated water conservation coordinator, a move that positioned South Jordan as a leader in water conservation. This dedication was recognized when the city received the State of Utah’s Water Efficiency Award.
2023 Achievements
In 2023, South Jordan residents took advantage of the following City programs:
- Parkstrip Conversions: The City has facilitated the conversion of 161 parkstrips to more water-efficient landscaping.
- Rebates and Incentives: Residents have benefited from 294 rebates, supporting the removal of over 205,000 square feet of grass.
- Leak Checks and Water Audits: The city conducted 360 leak checks with residents and businesses, which, together with grass removal efforts, are expected to save an estimated 202,168,203 gallons of water annually.
- HOA Grass Removal Assistance: A new section in the Conservation Plan assists a certain number of Homeowners Associations (HOAs) each year with grass removal projects.
So far in 2024, even more residents are taking advantage of the program. More than double (171) residents have utilized leak checks compared to this point in 2023 (78).
Reducing Water Use Amidst Growth
Even as the City grows, South Jordan has successfully reduced its Gallons Per Capita per Day (GPCD) water use by an average of 4% annually over the past three years. This reduction underscores the effectiveness of the City’s conservation efforts and the community’s commitment to sustainable water use.
Citywide Conservation Measures
South Jordan is also focusing on reducing water use within the City’s own operations. This includes converting landscaping at public locations such as the Public Works/City Hall areas and parkstrips along major roads, guided by a Parkstrip Master Plan aimed at converting grass along key roads in the near future.
Water Efficiency Standards
In 2021, South Jordan passed comprehensive Water Efficiency Standards (WES) ordinances for new construction, which include:
- Prohibiting grass in parkstrips or areas less than 8 feet wide.
- Prohibiting grass on slopes greater than 25%.
- Requiring “WaterSense” smart irrigation controllers for all landscaped areas.
- Limiting lawn areas in commercial, industrial, institutional, and multifamily developments to no more than 20% of the total landscaped area.
Resources and Tools for Residents
South Jordan provides several resources to help residents conserve water:
- Grass-Removal Rebates: These rebates are available for any area of the yard with living and watered turf grass, supporting entire yard conversions.
- Toilet and Fixture Rebates: These rebates help homeowners replace high-flow toilets and fixtures with low-flow alternatives.
- Free Leak Checks and Water Audits: These services help ensure no water is wasted in homes and businesses.
- Customer Portal: This tool allows residents to monitor their water use, detect leaks early, and receive notifications about their watering habits.
South Jordan takes water conservation seriously and continues to implement effective measures to promote sustainable water use. Through comprehensive programs and community involvement, the City is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for all residents. South Jordan encourages residents to utilize the available resources and contribute to the City’s ongoing water conservation efforts.