Clearfield
Clearfield reduced water consumption by 20%, saving 300 million gallons of water in 2022. Clearfield attributes its success this year to:
- Implemented a water-efficient landscape ordinance (draft ordinance language in PDF and accompanying PowerPoint presentation)
- Engaged in an active social media and outreach campaign including a drought response FAQ
- Increased water rates to respond to the drought (see letter to residents here)
Access Clearfield’s online water conservation resources
Layton
In 2022, Layton City saved 1.1 billion gallons of water – a 33.7% reduction. Layton attributes their success to several factors:
- Communicated with customers early, consistently, and concisely. Layton City did not use a heavy-handed approach, rather, it promoted watering recommendations to preserve the water supply and promoted water-wise practices in tandem with messaging with the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District.
- Saved water on the front end by delaying the start of the outdoor watering season to May 15th
- Saved water on the back end of the season by shutting off outdoor watering on September 26th
- Promoted 1-day per week watering recommendation from May 15-June 11
- Promoted 2-days per week watering recommendation from June 12 thru the end of the season
- Engaged with residents through social media posts and city website news updates to help customers understand the success and impact they had on reducing overall water use. Layton reports that customers were very responsive and adjusted their outdoor watering habits/schedules which resulted in a substantial reduction in the water supplied through the culinary system. Secondary water customers were also responsive to preserving water supplies from the secondary reservoirs
- Communicated continuous daily efforts from the Public Works Shop staff with education and conservation-minded door hangers and phone call responses for over 350 water waste complaints reported by the public.
Access Layton’s online Water Conservation Resources
Sandy
In 2022, Sandy City reduced consumption by 20%. Sandy attributes their success to several factors:
- Implemented a new conservation water rate structure.
- Ran the Sego Lily Conservation Garden staffed by individuals who are knowledgeable about water-wise plants.
- Maintained an active media & social media presence: Sandy city provided a steady stream of tips and reminders through all of the watering months.
- Participated in the state-funded Penna Powers “Water is Life” campaign committee.
- Drafted water-wise landscaping ordinances to maintain eligibility for “Localscapes” and “Flip Your Strip” programs as a part of the Central Utah Water Conservation District.
- Hired a full-time education and outreach coordinator who started teaching both live and virtual classes about water-wise landscaping.
- Encouraged participation in the toilet rebate program as well as appliance upgrades to reduce consumption.
- Tested a new “water game” that incentivized residents to use less water through various residential, on-site improvements.
Access Sandy’s online water resources
Saratoga Springs
Since 2010, Saratoga Springs has improved water efficiency with city-wide meters, reducing the annual demand for water by 60%. Saratoga Springs created user-friendly resources to educate residents on water conservation efforts and actions residents can take to reduce their water consumption. Additionally, the city released a comprehensive water shortage response plan detailing tiered allotment reductions, conservation targets, and more. You can learn more about Saratoga Springs’ policies through the links below as well as view some of their marketing and outreach materials.