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Population growth puts pressure on water resources, but smaller yards reduce per-capita water needs, as does substantially more water-wise landscaping. Despite a doubling population, total countywide municipal and industrial use grows by only 15%. About half of all residential yards are converted to xeriscapes that have very modest water needs due to being composed of primarily water-efficient plants. Example yard:
There is a slight additional increase in water efficiency due to water banking and tiered rates. Some additional water supply is secured. Less new water infrastructure is constructed to accommodate growth because growth is more compact. Because growth occurs primarily in historically unirrigated land, securing additional water rights in these areas faces increased political, administrative, and legal complexity. Increased infrastructure costs are borne by the entire community. In addition to residential water, commercial water use puts pressure on water resources by using 137 gallons per employee per day. Stormwater is managed through low impact design that promotes natural water cycling and cleans the water before it reaches waterbodies like Utah Lake. Key areas of the Utah Lake edge are cleaned up to provide recreation and leisure opportunities.
