Bill > SB0046

This bill amends existing law regarding water-wise landscaping for state government facilities, defining terms like "active use" (areas for community activities, sports, or recreation), "canopy" (the shaded area provided by trees and plants), "functional turf" (grass areas dedicated to active use or meeting specific width, slope, and plant type requirements that use efficient irrigation), and "water wise landscaping" (using plants suited to the climate, efficient irrigation, and design features that minimize water needs). The bill sets new requirements for state facilities built or reconstructed on or after May 6, 2026, limiting turf that is not functional turf to 20% of the grounds or what is allowed by local ordinance, and prohibiting it in park strips. It also mandates that at least 50% of the grounds of these new or reconstructed facilities must have water-wise landscaping, including a canopy, unless local ordinances restrict this amount. The bill also requires state agencies to reduce their outdoor water use by 5% by the end of fiscal year 2023 and 25% by the end of fiscal year 2026 compared to fiscal year 2020, and to report their water usage to the Division of Water Resources, which will post this information publicly. Additionally, it prohibits watering landscapes with overhead spray irrigation between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. unless allowed by the division, and requires agencies to manually shut off irrigation systems during rain and wind if they lack advanced monitoring technology, implement leak detection, and annually evaluate opportunities to update irrigation technology and reduce non-functional turf.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0046.html