Water Conservation

In Utah’s arid desert climate, water is a limited resource that should never be taken for granted. For a long time, water has been undervalued, but times are changing. Many cities across Utah and the west are raising water rates to help pay for infrastructure projects, to encourage water reduction, and to align our water resources with the actual cost of supplying it. See below on ways you can help save water and money!

Daytime Watering Prohibited

South Salt Lake Municipal Code Chapter 13.56 outlines the City's water usage regulations. Of note:

  • Daytime Outdoor Watering Restrictions (Ordinance 13.56.180). It is unlawful for any water user to water outdoor landscapes or lawns during the daytime hours of 10 AM to 6 PM.
  • Waste Prohibited (Ordinance 13.56 .070). It is unlawful for any water user to waste water, or to allow tanks, air conditioning units or similar equipment to leak or overflow, or to wastefully run water from hydrants, faucets or stops, or through basins, water closets, urinals, sinks or other apparatus, or to use the water or purposes other than those for which he or she has paid or to use water in violation of the rules and regulations for controlling the water supply and the provisions of this chapter.

Report Water Waste

If you see water waste in South Salt Lake, report it to our Water team so we can contact the property owner to fix the issue. Click here to access our Contact Form (side of Connect with SSL page), and use the drop down to select "Report Water Waste".

EyeOnWater

South Salt Lake Water customers have access to a EyeOnWater, a mobile app that lets you track your water usage and setup leak detection notifications. Visit our EyeOnWater webpage to learn more.

Fixing leaks quickly can prevent property damage, higher water use, and higher bills.  For helpful information on fixing water leaks, see WaterSense from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Water Efficient Landscapes

Did you know that approximately half of Utah's municipal water is used for landscapes? That's a lot of water! One of the biggest ways to save on water is to lower irrigation use. Localscapes is a Utah-based concept that replaces grass lawns with water efficient landscaping, and replaces ovrhead spray with drip irrigation. Make the switch today! Utah Water Savers is helping property owners save money by moving to localscapes with a Landscape Incentive Program. Visit their website to create an account and see what water conservation programs you can apply for.

  • Use low water grass seed. The City sells low water grass seed at cost that uses significantly less water than traditional Kentucky Bluegrass. Click here to learn more.
  • Landscape Incentive Program. Get paid to replace your grass with water-efficient landscaping and drip irrigation. The Landscape Incentive Program offers generous rebates and lots of education to help you through the process. Visit Utah Water Savers to learn more.

Watering Efficiently

  • Weekly Lawn Watering Guide. The Utah Division of Water Resources provides a weekly lawn watering guide with customized watering recommendations for your area and lawn type. These guides are created using weather data collected throughout the state, so the recommendations will vary weekly depending on what Mother Nature has in store. View the current Weekly Lawn Watering Guide.
  • Water Check. Watering too much? Too little? Have a Utah State University team visit your home or business to assess your outdoor watering habits and provide recommendations to improve watering efficiency. Water Checks are free and offered early May through September. Register now for a water check, and learn more.
  • Tree Care and Watering Tips. Visit the TreeUtah website to see their Tree Guide with great information like how to plant trees, what trees to plan, and how to care for and properly water trees.

Rain Barrel Program

South Salt Lake offers residents the opportunity to buy low-cost rain barrels to collect rainwater for use in landscapes. Save on your water bill, help conserve ground water, reduce water pollution by decreasing stormwater runoff, and collect clean water for your potted plants and landscapes. Click here to learn more.

Beautiful Yard Awards

Each summer, we recognize South Salt Lake residents who have made exceptional efforts that positively impact their neighborhoods--specifically, by beautifying their yards. In 2024, our Beautiful Yard Award program partnered with SSL Public Works Water Division to focus on water conservation efforts and awarded three homeowners a $500 gift card for their water-wise landscapes.

  1. 1 2024 Beautiful Yard Award winner photos
  2. 2 2024--Beautiful Yard Award winner--1
  3. 3 2024--Beautiful Yard Award winner--2

Resources