WATER FOCUS OF UTAH’S 2022 LEGISLATIVE SESSION Nearly $500 Million in Spending Committed to Water Conservation Initiatives
St. George, UT
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March 15, 2022 08:50 AM Mountain Daylight Time
Utah’s 2022 legislative session concluded on March 4 with a record number of water conservation bills and appropriations totaling nearly $500 million in spending. Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox is expected to sign the bills into law in the next few weeks.
“Utah’s population and economy are exploding but our water supply is dwindling,” said Brian Steed, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources. “We have to protect, conserve and develop our water. Doing nothing and running out of water isn’t an option.”
The bills are designed to help bolster water levels in reservoirs throughout the state by reducing demand via grass rebate programs, additional metering of secondary water and watershed enhancement efforts. Statewide water storage is at a dismal 54% of capacity.
“As one of the driest and fastest-growing states in the nation, strains on Utah’s water supply threaten our ability to thrive, our recreational opportunities, our environment, and our food supply,” said Brad Wilson, speaker, Utah House of Representatives. “The actions taken this legislative session to conserve, preserve, and optimize Utah’s water resources reiterate our commitment to address current needs while preparing for the future.”
Drought conditions are common throughout Utah, especially in the southwest section of the state. Washington County’s major population centers are currently dependent on one water source that has been in a drought 16 of the last 20 years.
The Washington County Water Conservancy District (district) is working with its local municipal partners to pass additional water efficiency ordinances that will eliminate or reduce the amount of grass allowed in new construction and developing a more robust regional wastewater reuse system to help prevent approaching water supply shortages.
“We are elevating our water conservation efforts while developing the critical infrastructure our growing community will need to survive a hotter and drier climate in the future, including a wastewater reuse system that will serve our municipal customers,” said Zach Renstrom, general manager of the district. “We have to plan for the future and all its uncertainties or we’ll run out of water.”
Included in Utah’s water conservation bills are:
Bill Number HB = House Bill SB = Senate Bill | Summary |
HB 37 | promotes recharge of aquifer storage |
HB 39 | requires more efficient plumbing fixtures in updated construction codes |
HB 121 | imposes water conservation requirements on state-owned facilities and provides incentives to replace grass |
HB 131 | creates the watershed restoration initiative |
HB 168 | requires the state engineer to study how use would be managed in a temporary water shortage, including the identification of preference and compensation |
HB 242 | requires the metering of secondary water systems |
HB 282 | prohibits public and private entities from prohibiting water-wise landscaping and authorizes certain landscaping requirements |
HB 423 | provides funding for the implementation of agricultural and water management practices that maintain or increase viable agricultural while minimizing negative impacts on water supply or quality |
SB 89 | modifies water conservation plan requirements |
SB 110 | mandates municipal general plans to address land and water use together |
About Washington County Water Conservancy District
The Washington County Water Conservancy District is a not-for-profit public agency that oversees water resources in Washington County, UT. Visit wcwcd.org for more information.
Contact Details
Washington County Water Conservancy District
Karry Rathje
+1 435-673-3617
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