Utah Division of Water Resources to Launch H2Oath: Utah’s Water-Wise Pledge

Utah Division of Water Resources to Launch

H2Oath: Utah’s Water-Wise Pledge

What

Utah Division of Water Resources (DWRe) will launch a water conservation campaign called “H2Oath: Utah’s Water-wise Pledge” to encourage additional water conservation efforts by families, businesses, government agencies and statewide organizations. The H2Oath is designed to commit individuals and groups to conserve more by following the division’s Weekly Lawn Watering Guide throughout the watering season, and making several other water conservation commitments.

Pledging their support to kick off the campaign is the University of Utah, an institution that swells to the size of a mid-size city each day and is considered one of the largest water users in the Salt Lake Valley. The Nature Conservancy and Trout Unlimited, two of Utah’s foremost environmental and sustainability advocacy organizations, have also pledged their support. Additionally, representative from the state’s four largest water conservancy districts will participate by taking the pledge. Central Utah, Jordan Valley, Weber Basin and Washington County water conservancy districts provide water to 85 percent of Utah’s population.

Why

Snowpack this year has been average to slightly below average statewide. However, ordinary precipitation will not correct the long-term drought conditions Utah has been experiencing for the past several years. Runoff and river flow conditions are expected to be below average as dry soil conditions require more moisture. Utah’s population is also projected to more than double by 2060. Meeting future needs will require additional conservation. As we work toward reaching Governor Herbert’s goal to conserve 25 percent more water by 2025, we applaud Utahns for their water-wise efforts. We also recognize more needs to be done.

When

Tuesday, May 10, 2016 from 10 to 10:45 a.m.

Where

Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District’s Conservation Garden Park

8275 South 1300 West

West Jordan, Utah 84088

Who

• Eric Millis, director of Utah Division of Water Resources
• Mike Styler, director of the Department of Natural Resources
• Amy Wildermuth, University of Utah Chief Sustainability Officer
• Joan Degiorgio, Northern Mountains Regional Director for The Nature Conservancy
• Representatives from water conservancy districts along the Wasatch Front.
• Alan Olsen, State Grounds Manager for the Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management
• Representative from Trout Unlimited

Visuals

There will be a brief media event with speakers from a few of the above mentioned organizations and a pledge signing ceremony with participating groups. Additionally, there will be examples of the lawn watering guide on hand and tips for correctly irrigating your lawn. Media members are encouraged to take the H2Oath. The Conservation Garden Park also models the best use of water in Utah by showcasing landscapes suited for Utah’s unique climate that are beautiful and easier to maintain.