Subject: LDS Church: Stop Wasteful Water Practices - Water Conservation over Green Properties

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,

I am writing to you as a concerned resident of Utah and a member of our local community to address a pressing issue regarding the excessive water usage by the LDS Church for purely aesthetic purposes in their properties. As a state located in a desert region and currently facing a severe drought, it is crucial that we collectively prioritize water conservation and implement sustainable practices.

It is disheartening to observe that each ward house and temple and other properties maintained by the Church features extensive acres of lush green grass, and landscaping which is inconsistent with the arid nature of our environment. We would like to highlight the evident hypocrisy in the LDS Church's excessive water usage for purely aesthetic purposes. While the Church teaches its members to be good stewards of the Earth and emphasizes the importance of responsible resource management, their continued maintenance of vast green lawns contradicts these teachings. It sends a message that prioritizes appearances over the urgent need for water conservation, especially in a desert region like Utah facing severe drought conditions. It is disheartening to witness the disparity between the Church's teachings and its actual practices, and we believe it is crucial for the Church to align its actions with its professed values to truly lead by example in environmental stewardship.

Despite a relatively good rain season last year, it is important to emphasize that Utah is still facing a severe drought. The impact of a single rainy season is insufficient to alleviate the long-term water scarcity issue that our state grapples with. The current water reservoir levels remain critically low, and the demand for water continues to surpass the available supply. Therefore, it becomes even more imperative for all individuals, organizations, including the LDS Church, to recognize the ongoing severity of the drought and take proactive measures to conserve water.

In order to shed light on the urgency and importance of this matter, I would like to present the following points:

1. Severe Drought Conditions: Utah is currently experiencing a severe drought crisis, marked by significantly reduced precipitation and dwindling water reserves. This situation demands immediate action to conserve water and protect our valuable resources.

2. Excessive Water Usage: While precise figures on the LDS Church's water usage for landscaping purposes are not readily available to the public, it is evident that substantial amounts of water are being utilized to maintain the extensive green grass and landscaping across their properties. This not only contributes to wasteful water consumption but also sends a contradictory message to their teachings on responsible stewardship to the earth.

3. Aesthetic Over Practicality: It is important to question the necessity of maintaining acres of green grass at each ward house, temple and other properties. Given the arid climate of our state, xeriscaping—an environmentally-friendly landscaping approach utilizing drought-resistant plants—should be the standard, allowing for visually appealing landscapes while conserving water resources.

4. Water Crisis Mitigation: By implementing xeriscaping techniques in all LDS Church properties, the Church can significantly contribute to mitigating the water crisis. Xeriscaping is proven to reduce outdoor water usage by up to 60%, making it a sustainable and practical choice for landscaping in our region.

5. Leading by Example: As a prominent institution, the LDS Church has the opportunity to lead by example and inspire its members and the wider community to adopt water-conservation practices. Embracing xeriscaping would not only align with the Church's teachings on stewardship but also demonstrate its commitment to preserving our natural resources for future generations.

6. Educating and Engaging the Community: The LDS Church has a unique platform to educate its members and the community on the importance of water conservation and the benefits of xeriscaping. 

Furthermore, it is evident to anyone driving through the streets of Utah that many properties have made conscious efforts to conserve water by opting for xeriscaping or allowing their lawns to turn brown during the drought. However, it is striking to observe that the LDS Church's properties consistently maintain lush green lawns without fail. This stark contrast raises questions about the Church's commitment to water conservation and its equitable contribution to addressing the drought. It is essential for the Church to align its practices with the broader community's efforts and embrace sustainable landscaping choices that prioritize water conservation.

Therefore, we, the undersigned, request that the LDS Church take immediate action to address the issue of excessive water usage for landscaping purposes. We urge the Church to prioritize water conservation and adopt xeriscaping as the standard landscaping approach across all ward houses properties and temples in Utah. By doing so, the Church can set a positive example for its members and the wider community and contribute significantly to water conservation efforts.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We trust that you will consider our petition seriously and take the necessary steps to address this pressing issue. We look forward to hearing from you about the actions that will be taken to promote water conservation at church properties.

Sincerely,

Karie Jo Loutensock

Enclosure: Petition Signatures