For more on the Utah House Majority’s 2026 session priorities, visit the House Majority website. To read the official bill text, visit le.utah.gov.

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.







HB 76
2026
Requires large data centers to submit annual reports on water use and conservation efforts to a database open to the public
HB 19
2026
Requires a community water system to complete an emergency response plan and strengthen systems against possible cyber attacks
HB 348
2026
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
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
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
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


A new dedicated fund to be used for conservation projects in and around the Great Salt Lake (2022)
A new office solely dedicated to directing Great Salt Lake preservation efforts and outlining an annual strategic plan (2023)
Helps farmers improve soil health and water quality
Serves the growing motorized recreation community by building trailheads and amenities that keep access to public lands safe & secure
Secured 144,000 acre-feet of water for the preservation of the Great Salt Lake
Funds current active projects that will reduce the risk of catastrophic dam failures
For more on the Utah House Majority’s 2026 session priorities, visit the House Majority website. To read the official bill text, visit le.utah.gov.