The Sun is Setting on Grass: New 2026 Water Bans in Utah You Didn’t See Coming

New Water Conservation Coming to Washington County

With the dry hot year so far in 2026, Washington County and the State of Utah have added water restrictions to help conserve. This includes not allowing nonfunctional grass at commercial developments and city properties. 

This is similar to what Las Vegas started doing the last few years. They not only stopped putting in this nonfunctional turf but started removing it in established places. This includes grass in the medians and along sidewalks. 

Regulations for New Developments: Grass Restrictions

How do you know if you have nonfunctional grass? They describe it as grass that no one uses. No one walks on it and certainly, nobody is having a picnic on the weekends. It seems a shame if these areas become more cement or asphalt. 

There are plenty of green options that require less water than grass. And it is not just commercial properties where grass is banned. New home developments will see restrictions on the amount of lawn they can put in. 

Read More: Algae Blooms Lead to Warning for Lake Powell

The county is restricting any new golf courses unless the developer can show how they will provide the water. This also must be non-potable water that is used for irrigation and parks currently. 

It might be time to look at any grass you currently have and decide if it is nonfunctional. Consider having a regular picnic to increase its functional status.