The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites communities everywhere to be wise stewards of the natural resources God provides. In the Intermountain West region of the United States, water is increasingly scarce, and many municipalities and water authorities are updating regulations to manage its use.
This article outlines some of the Church’s ongoing efforts to conserve water on meetinghouse properties throughout this arid region.
Smart Controllers
As noted in March 2025, the Church is on track to complete a major initiative: installing over 3,000 smart controllers at its facilities across the Intermountain West. The Church hopes to save over 500 million gallons of water in the first year of full operation. This is roughly equivalent to filling over 750 Olympic-sized swimming pools laid end to end.
Smart controllers may operate in ways that seem unusual, but operational adjustments are calculated to save water. Instead of a fixed, time-based schedule, they might water in more frequent, short bursts; at inconsistent hours; or even during a rainstorm. These adjustments are made to maximize water absorption by plants based on factors such as weather, humidity, and soil composition. Sometimes the system must follow specific irrigation times set by the local municipal water authority.
Read the rest of the article at Church Newsroom.
More articles for you:
▶ He mentioned his mission to a stranger. A cascade of miracles followed
▶ Watch: Pres. Nelson says ‘I love you all!’ from a car at a temple dedication
▶ The quote that forever changed how I see the parable of the ten virgins
Hear Sharon Eubank speak
For women 16 and older—bring your sisters, daughters, and friends!