Opinion: How Utah Can Prioritize Water Infrastructure

By Rep. Jill Koford
Guest Opinion, Deseret News
Published February 19, 2026

Utah’s water is our lifeblood. As our state continues to grow, protecting and strengthening our water infrastructure is essential to ensuring reliable access to water for families, farms and businesses.

In this guest opinion, Rep. Jill Koford highlights the Utah House Majority Caucus’ focus on water infrastructure during the 2026 Legislative Session, including efforts to protect and restore the Great Salt Lake, repair and upgrade aging water systems, expand water storage and improve long-term water planning.

Koford also discusses two bills she sponsored during the 2026 session. HB76 requires data centers to report their water use, providing the state with better information to plan for Utah’s water future while continuing to support economic growth. HB348 streamlines the process for dedicating water to the Great Salt Lake and creates additional opportunities for voluntary water sharing.

“It’s not just about fixing pipes — it’s about building resilience against droughts as we grow, with targeted funding for infrastructure projects that stretch every drop further and protect vital resources like the Great Salt Lake.”

Utah’s water future will require thoughtful planning, responsible infrastructure investments and cooperation among farmers, communities, businesses and state and local governments.

Read the full opinion at Deseret News:
Opinion: How Utah Can Prioritize Water Infrastructure

Originally published by Deseret News on February 19, 2026. Written by Rep. Jill Koford, who represents District 10 in the Utah House of Representatives