Water Conservation in Tremonton (hint – we are doing a great job!)

It is well established that the current drought we are experiencing is worsening.  Fortunately, Tremonton’s drought is not as severe as some other parts of Utah, but it is deep enough to concern our residents, farmers, businesses, as well as state and local leaders.

To illustrate this, the chart below shows the annual cumulative rainfall for Tremonton from 2018 to 2022.  Except for 2019, precipitation in Tremonton has been below average.  The average annual precipitation for Tremonton is around 17 inches.

Not only have we been in a period of below-normal precipitation, but our population is also growing.  So, in 2017, the city started an ambitious secondary water project.  Tremonton has a competitive advantage.  It is basically surrounded by the Bear River Canal system, so it made sense to use this water to start a secondary water program.  We purchased water shares from willing sellers and required developers to provide the city with shares equal to the ground that would be irrigated by households in their development. The intent of the project was to extend culinary water to more households by using secondary water for outdoor use.  But our goal is also to be good stewards of this natural resource and conserve water.

A few months ago, Governor Cox, speaking about the current drought we are experiencing, called on residents, businesses, institutions, and farmers across Utah to find ways to cut back water consumption this year.   People responded by saving billions of gallons of water in the state. “Honestly, we far passed and exceeded our highest expectations last year for what Utahns will be willing to do and their ability to conserve.” Governor Cox stated.

Here in Tremonton, we are conserving water also.  So far in 2022, Tremonton residents and businesses have conserved more than 51 million gallons of water compared with last year at this same time, or a savings of approximately 11 percent – and that is with more households in our city.  Thanks everyone, that’s an incredible accomplishment.

Since it is important for all of us to do our part in conserving water, I plan to share current and relevant information on this web page, in your water bill, on social media, and on other outlets about our water consumption; the progress of our secondary water system; and some positive, innovative, and attractive examples of how the city and our residents are landscaping their parks and homes to conserve water.  I will share educational links from USU Extension and other agencies as they provide useful information on ways we can design water-wise landscapes and other ways to use less water.

As we all learn better ways to be water-wise, it will be one more reason we will continue to make Tremonton a place we can all be proud to work and call home.

This information can be found by clicking on the Water Conservation link on Tremonton City’s home page or by going to https://tremontoncity.gov/water_conservation

Flip the Strip

Water conservation can happen in many different ways. One way is to turn unused lawn into a more water friendly landscape. One example of this can be found on the park strip at Jeanie Stevens Park. Last year, the entire park strip was grass. The only time that lawn was walked on was when the mowers were maintaining it. Now it is being transformed into a landscape that requires minimal water on a drip system, yet looks great, and brings a variety to the vegetation.

Show and tell us improvements you have made that also conserve water.

The Mayor’s Summer Challenge

Mayor Holmgren is challenging families to spend time together, get active in the community and have some fun! This is a free activity for all. As you complete the challenge, the Mayor will have prizes for you.

The Challenge runs from July 1 – August 31.  The quicker you register, the more activities you and your family can enjoy.

To accept this challenge, you will need to sign up on Beanstack here

Employee Spotlight

Kim Griffiths – Library Director

Kim has been employed by Tremonton City for 20 years. She is married and has five grown children and nine grandchildren. Kim enjoys working for the library because it gives her the opportunity to meet members of the community. Everyone has been so friendly, and she likes the social aspects of her job.

Kim was born in Hawthorne, Nevada and lived there for 18 years. She then spent time in Logan before moving to Garland where she still resides.

Kim’s dream vacation spot would be Hawaii. Although she has never been there, she plans to go in a couple of years for her 40th wedding anniversary.

If Kim won the Lottery she would use the money to pay off her family members’ debts. Then she would buy a nice parcel of land and build her dream home.

We thank Kim for all she has done for the Tremonton City Library. For more information about the library, visit their website here.