Communities across Utah are participating in the “Flip Blitz,” designed to save the drought-stricken state valuable water resources.

The Utah Division of Water Resources, water districts, municipalities and one university will convert 120,441 sq. ft of grassy park strips and other landscapes to waterwise landscapes today. This is the second “Flip Blitz,” a campaign that aims to raise awareness about how small landscape changes can make a big difference. Over 85% of the conversions will take place in Washington County alone.

More than 20 landscape conversion projects are planned throughout the state, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources, which says that park strips and other grassy areas can be hard to water efficiently, and often result in wet sidewalks and wasted water. Gov. Spencer Cox identified landscape diversification as one of his four key water conservation measures, and Flip Blitz is in line with that guidance.

“Utah is becoming more drought resilient,” Utah Division of Water Resources Director Candice Hasenyager said. “This second round of Flip Blitz demonstrates Utah’s statewide level of collaboration and commitment to further advance water conservation initiatives.

On April 21, Governor Cox declared a state of emergency due to the dire drought conditions affecting the entire state. This declaration activates the Drought Response Committee and triggers increased monitoring and reporting. It also allows drought-affected communities, agricultural producers and others to report unmet needs and work toward solutions. Utah has been in drought eight of the last 10 years, and this year’s snowpack is 25% below normal.