In The Daily Utah Chronicle, college student Nathan Murthy calls on the University of Utah to lead by example and reduce its non-functional turf to help save the Great Salt Lake. As one of Salt Lake City’s major water users, the University of Utah has a vital role in promoting responsible water usage. Yet a significant portion of its water goes to ornamental lawns with little to no functional purpose. Many of these grassy areas sit unused by students, valued more for aesthetics than utility. Much of this turf watering is wasted on sidewalks and gutters—a glaring contradiction to a community facing a water crisis. Because the University is a tax-exempt institution and doesn’t contribute property taxes to local water conservancy districts, residents of Salt Lake City are effectively footing the bill for the University’s extravagant watering practices. Huge thanks to Nathan and all the students pushing the U to replace thirsty Kentucky bluegrass with drought-tolerant and native plants. 📖 Read the full article here: https://dailyutahchronicle.com/2025/04/11/guest-opinion-water-wasting-lawns-or-resilient-lush-landscapes-u-decide/ #waterconservation #grass #greatsaltlake #savethegreatsaltlake #nonfunctionalturf (fb)

Thanks again to all our participants and volunteers during the 2025 Rain Harvest! 💧 With the Great Salt Lake receding to dangerous lows, we need to be implementing at home water conservation measures. Using a rain barrel to collect runoff is a great way to save water. 🛢️ #rainharvest2025 #greatsaltlake #savethegreatsaltlake #waterconservation #rainbarrel #UtahRiversCouncil (fb)