UtahState agencies must limit turf and improve irrigation efficiency
Beginning May 6, 2026, state agencies must manage outdoor water use, limit turf at certain facilities, and improve irrigation efficiency.
What it does
State agencies may not cover more than 20% of the grounds at covered state facilities with lawn or turf, unless the water division grants an exemption.
State agencies must cut outdoor water use against a fiscal year 2020 baseline, manage irrigation more carefully, and use low-water turf when practical.
Facilities managers must audit irrigation systems and identify repairs when systems distribute water less evenly than the required 75% standard.
Argument forMore efficient irrigation and less turf could reduce outdoor water use at state facilities, especially during dry periods.
Argument againstAgencies may face added work and repair costs to audit systems, track water use, and replace turf or irrigation equipment.
More detail
A state agency may not cover more than 20% of a covered facility's grounds with lawn or turf. This applies to a state agency that owns or occupies a state government facility built or reconstructed on or after May 4, 2022. The Division of Water Resources may exempt a facility when the occupant's purpose requires additional lawn or turf. The restriction applies to facilities built or reconstructed on or after May 4, 2022.
State agencies must reduce outdoor water use, follow applicable watering guidance, manage irrigation systems, and choose low-water turf when replacing or installing turf. These duties apply at state government facilities and cover outdoor watering, leaks, irrigation equipment, landscaping, and replacement or installation of lawn or turf. The required reductions are measured against fiscal year 2020 outdoor water use. The Division of Water Resources may allow landscape watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The division may exempt an agency from choosing low-water turf when site features such as slope, erosion, or stoniness make it impractical. Agencies must evaluate water-saving options at least annually and coordinate with the division on efficient practices. The text sets reduction targets of at least 5% by the end of fiscal year 2023 and at least 25% by the end of fiscal year 2026; the section takes effect May 6, 2026.
The Division of Facilities Construction and Management must routinely audit irrigation systems at state government facilities. Audits must measure irrigation distribution uniformity and identify specific repairs or other steps when a system operates below 75% uniformity. The division's director may make rules to combine these audits with facility-condition audits. For irrigation systems installed on or after May 6, 2026, distribution uniformity must be at least 75%. The audit and minimum-efficiency provisions apply under the section beginning May 6, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 26Governor Spencer Cox SignedBecame Law
- Mar 13Senate/ to GovernorTo Governor
- Mar 13Senate/ received enrolled bill from PrintingMinor
- Mar 11Senate/ enrolled bill to Printing
- Mar 11Enrolled Bill Returned to House or SenateMinor
- Mar 10Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
- Mar 10Bill Received from Senate for EnrollingMinor
- Mar 7Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrollingMajor
- Mar 7Senate/ received from HouseMinor
- Mar 6House/ to Senate
- Vote recorded House/ passed 3rd reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 6House/ signed by Speaker/ returned to SenateMajor
- Mar 6House/ passed 3rd readingPassed House
- Mar 6House/ 3rd readingMinor
- Mar 5House/ Rules to 3rd Reading Calendar
- Mar 5House/ 3rd Reading Calendar to Rules [House Rules Committee]Minor
- Mar 5House/ 2nd readingMinor
- Mar 5House/ committee report favorable [House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee]Minor
- Mar 4House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee]Minor
- Mar 4House/ to standing committee [House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee]Minor
- Mar 4House/ 1st reading (Introduced)Minor
- Mar 3House/ received from SenateMinor
- Vote recorded Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 3Senate/ to House
- Mar 3Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspensionPassed Senate
- Mar 3Senate/ uncircled
- Mar 2Senate/ circled
- Mar 2Senate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspensionMinor
- Feb 25Senate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
- Feb 25Senate/ comm rpt/ substituted [Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]
- Feb 25LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for SB0252S01
- Feb 25LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for SB0252S01
- Feb 25Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]Minor
- Feb 25Senate Comm - Substitute Recommendation [Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]Major
- Feb 24LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for SB0252S01
- Feb 24LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for SB0252S01
- Feb 17Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]Minor
- Feb 6Senate/ received fiscal note from Fiscal AnalystMinor
- Feb 6LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for SB0252
- Feb 6LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for SB0252
- Feb 4Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)Minor
- Feb 4Senate/ received bill from Legislative ResearchMinor
- Feb 4LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for SB0252
- Feb 4LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for SB0252
- Feb 4Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed
- Feb 4Bill Numbered but not DistributedIntroduced
Environment & EnergyGovernment & EthicsEmergency Management