Water

As one of the driest and fastest-growing states in the nation, conserving and preserving our water resources is critical to our future.  The Utah House of Representatives is committed to protecting 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. We’ve also made record investments in our state’s water resources and infrastructure. Together, these efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring Utah’s water policies align with our goal to protect and enhance Utah’s water supply for generations to come. 

The House has also made preserving the Great Salt Lake a top priority. The Great Salt Lake directly impacts our state’s environment, economy, and quality of life.  

Through landmark legislation and targeted funding, we created tools to voluntarily 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. In the past four years, we’ve allocated over $300 Million to lake specific projects, fostered key collaborations, and cultivated historic water donations. The House recognizes this work is not over, we are dedicated to building upon the strategic framework we’ve established in previous sessions to expand long-term solutions.

Funding Highlights

  • $40,000,000 to the Great Salt Lake Watershed Grant Program (2022)

    Provides new dedicated fund to be used for conservation projects in and around the Great Salt Lake.

  • $12,500,000 for the Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner (2023)

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

  • $1,300,000 to the Agriculture Voluntary Incentive Program (2026)

    Helps farmers improve soil health and water quality.

  • $2,500,000 to the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Grant (2026)

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

  • $30,000,000 for the purchase of US Magnesium’s property (2026)

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

  • $6,200,000 to the Dam Safety Grant Program (2026)

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

Recent Legislation

HB 76

2026

Data Center Water Transparency Amendments

Required 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

Required public drinking water systems to report cybersecurity breaches quickly to the state & prepare emergency response plans

HB 348

2025

Dedicated Water Amendments

Created 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

Moved 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