Church aims to save 500 million gallons annually with smart irrigation in western US

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is implementing measures to conserve water across its meetinghouse properties in the Intermountain West region of the United States, where water scarcity has become a significant concern. The Church’s efforts align with updated regulations from municipalities and water authorities aimed at managing limited water resources.

A key initiative involves installing more than 3,000 smart irrigation controllers at Church facilities throughout the region. These controllers are designed to optimize watering schedules based on factors such as weather, humidity, and soil composition. Instead of following a fixed schedule, they may operate in short bursts or at varied times to maximize plant absorption and reduce waste. According to the Church, this project is expected to save over 500 million gallons of water in its first year of full operation—an amount comparable to filling more than 750 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

“We have received that special responsibility from God to take care of His creations. And every one of us, collectively and individually, we have something to do,” said Bishop Gérald Caussé.

Since the early 2000s, the Church has adopted water-wise landscaping practices that reflect local climates. Efforts include phasing out nonfunctional grass at new and remodeled meetinghouses and removing decorative turf in areas like Washington County, Utah, and southern Nevada. In places facing high water scarcity, the Church is also reseeding some recreational lawns with drought-tolerant grasses to maintain usability while reducing water use.

Community involvement is encouraged through reporting maintenance issues such as malfunctioning sprinklers or leaks to local representatives for prompt resolution by facility managers. The Church also continues to urge members and neighbors to conserve water on their own properties by adopting efficient irrigation practices and considering landscape conversions suited for arid environments.

The June 2022 Official Statement on “The Importance of Water Conservation” reiterates this invitation for collective action in preserving vital resources.

For additional details about these initiatives or guidance on personal conservation efforts, interested individuals can visit the Church’s FAQ page.