Water

As one of the driest and fastest-growing states in the nation, conserving and preserving our water resources is more critical than ever.  The Utah House of Representatives is taking action to protect Utah’s water through legislation that strengthens conservation, improves transparency, and modernizes water management. 

We have taken a broad, strategic approach to pass measures that address drinking water systems, water leasing, dedicated water rights, and emerging demands on water resources. Together, these efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring Utah’s water policies keep pace with the state’s growth while safeguarding long-term supply.

The House has also made preserving the Great Salt Lake a top priority. The Great Salt Lake is more than just a lake — it’s an irreplaceable asset that directly impacts our state’s environment, economy, and quality of life. This iconic body of water is at the lowest levels ever recorded, and action must be taken to reverse its course. Utah’s future will be dramatically affected if we don’t address our state’s water needs now.

Through landmark legislation and targeted funding, we created tools to lease agricultural water for the lake, expanded ongoing funding to support lake health, and advanced partnerships to bring additional state and federal resources to the Great Salt Lake.

Past Legislation

HB 76

2026

Data Center Water Transparency Amendments

Requires large data centers to submit annual reports on water use and conservation efforts to a database open to the public 

HB 19

2026

Drinking Water Utilities Amendments

Requires a community water system to complete an emergency response plan and strengthen systems against possible cyber attacks

HB 348

2026

Dedicated Water Amendments

Creates the dedicated water application to allow a water right holder to add a nature of use for environmental or conservation purposes for either a fixed or indefinite period without forfeiting their underlying water right

HB 410

2026

Water Leasing Amendments

Created the Great Salt Lake Preservation Program with a $2.75 million fund to establish a dedicated framework designed specifically to lease agricultural water to boost the lake’s levels

HB 247

2026

Great Salt Lake Related Amendments

Expanded annual funding for the lake by increasing the brine shrimp royalty tax. Additional funds can be used to lease water rights for the lake or projects that maintain the health of the lake’s brine shrimp population

HB 473

2026

Colorado River Authority Amendments

Moves the Colorado River Authority of Utah from the Governor’s Office to the Department of Natural Resources to create a more cohesive state strategy and make available more staff and department resources

HCR 9

2026

Concurrent Resolution Addressing the Great Salt Lake

Laid the groundwork for a state-federal cost-sharing partnership. The resolution followed President Trump’s February 2026 pledge to help save the lake

Funding Highlights

  • $40,000,000 to the Great Salt Lake Watershed Grant Program

    A new dedicated fund to be used for conservation projects in and around the Great Salt Lake (2022)

  • $12,500,000 for the Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner

    A new office solely dedicated to directing Great Salt Lake preservation efforts and outlining an annual strategic plan (2023)

  • $1,300,000 to the Agriculture Voluntary Incentive Program

    Helps farmers improve soil health and water quality

  • $2,500,000 to the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Grant

    Serves the growing motorized recreation community by building trailheads and amenities that keep access to public lands safe & secure

  • $30,000,000 for the purchase of US Magnesium

    Secured 144,000 acre-feet of water for the preservation of the Great Salt Lake

  • $6,200,000 to the Dam Safety Grant

    Funds current active projects that will reduce the risk of catastrophic dam failures