Washington County Water Conservation Rebates Raised to $3

With local river levels dropping and summer temperatures peaking, regional officials are urging Southern Utah residents to adapt their outdoor water habits.

According to the latest mid-July update from the Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD), Virgin River flows have plummeted to just 38% of their historical average, while regional rainfall is tracking at roughly half of its normal volume.

Current Reservoir Levels and the $3 Rebate Incentive

While local drinking water storage systems are currently stable, the combined force of extreme summer heat and high seasonal demand is pulling water levels down rapidly. The district’s two primary storage reservoirs show a clear year-over-year decline:

• Sand Hollow Reservoir: Currently sitting at 77% capacity, down from 84% at this point last year.

• Quail Creek Reservoir: Currently at 69% capacity, down from 71% last summer.

In response to these shrinking supplies, the water district’s board of trustees has authorized a temporary increase in the local turf replacement rebate. Residential and commercial property owners can now receive $3 per square foot to remove non-functional grass and replace it with water-efficient landscaping. The district has also introduced new incentives specifically aimed at adding desert-friendly trees to local yards.

Residential water consumption represents nearly 70% of our community’s total culinary water supply, with the vast majority of that volume spent on outdoor landscaping. Over the past three years, local property owners have successfully converted nearly 4 million square feet of grass into water-wise desert landscapes. This collective effort—equivalent to roughly 68 football fields—saves an estimated 168 million gallons of water every year.

Simple Actions to Improve Washington County Water Conservation

Water managers emphasize that minor adjustments to home irrigation systems can yield massive collective benefits. Implementing a few simple changes can significantly boost Washington County water conservation efforts:

• Skip Watering Days: Giving lawns a break by skipping just one scheduled watering day can save our community an estimated 40 million gallons of water. Additionally, watering less frequently forces grass roots to grow deeper into the soil, making lawns naturally more drought-tolerant.

• Pause During Rain: Always shut off automatic sprinkler systems during active rainstorms.

• Ditch Decorative Grass: Identify narrow side yards, steep slopes, or ornamental turf areas that can be easily transitioned to native, drought-resistant plants.

Detailed information regarding rebate qualification guidelines can be accessed online at wcwcd.gov/incentives.

Free Summer Landscaping Workshops

To assist residents with transitioning their yards, the WCWCD is hosting a series of free, one-hour public workshops. All classes begin at 10:00 AM at the district’s main office located at 533 E. Waterworks Drive in St. George.

Upcoming classes include:

• July 18, August 5, and August 15: Lawn to Lush: Updating for Water Efficiency

• August 1: Pest Management: Friends & Foes of Utah’s Landscapes

• August 8: Landscapes to Beat the Heat

• August 22: Drip Irrigation: Water-Wise Gardening Made Simple

Holiday Safety and Regional Water News

As Southern Utah prepares to celebrate Pioneer Day on July 24, officials are urging residents to strictly follow all local fireworks restrictions. Keeping fireworks out of dry brush zones protects community resources and prevents wildfires from threatening local water infrastructure.

On a broader scale, Colorado River basin states remain in active negotiations regarding future water allocations. While governors from the upper and lower basins insist they have not reached a total stalemate, they have yet to finalize an official long-term sharing agreement for Lake Powell and Lake Mead as federal deadlines draw closer.

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