Utah Division of Water Resources Announces Finalized Water Resources Plan

the Utah Division of Water Resources has announced the finalization of its water resources plan. Photo: Ruston Jones.

SALT LAKE CITY — After multiple years of data collection, modeling and several collaborative efforts, the Utah Division of Water Resources has announced the finalization of its water resources plan to identify when and where water will be required throughout the state.

“A safe, reliable water supply is critical to Utah’s prosperity and quality of life. This plan provides a comprehensive look at Utah’s current water use and supply conditions and future demand scenarios,” Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources said. “It’s a long-range planning document that looks 50 years into the future and has been years in the making.”

According to the official press release, the plan focuses on three specific water management principles:

• Reliable data is needed to make informed water management decisions.
• Supply security requires a comprehensive approach.
• Healthy watersheds are necessary to ensure the viability of the state’s precious water resources.

The plan also prioritizes the actions that the Utah Division of Water Resources will carry out in the future such as:

• Increase water conservation efforts by engaging and educating the public, promoting tiered water rates, and working with water providers and suppliers.
• Support efforts by water managers and retailers to double the number of installed secondary water meters.
• Research and collaborate with stakeholders on ways to get more water to Great Salt Lake.
• Complete the National Environmental Policy Act process for the Lake Powell Pipeline.
• Establish the Utah Watersheds Council and several local watershed councils.

“In the past, statewide water plans have been more of a status update,” Rachel Shilton, the division’s river basin planning manager said. “This plan focuses on goals the division will strive to accomplish by 2026 and was shaped by input from the State Water Plan Advisory Committee, a diverse group of experts and stakeholders.”

A link to the entire water resources plan can be found here.