SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 23, 2025) – The Water Development Coordinating Council will host four public meetings throughout the state in October to gather public input on the new Unified Water Infrastructure Plan (UWIP). These meetings are an opportunity for Utahns to learn more about the state’s new approach to funding water projects and to share their perspectives on Utah’s water future. 

The UWIP is being prepared as a result of House Bill 280 from the Utah Legislature in 2024, which also established the new Water Infrastructure Fund. This proactive planning approach is designed to create a single, comprehensive and prioritized list of water infrastructure projects, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently and effectively. The UWIP aims to streamline the process for entities seeking funding and improve coordination among the Division of Water Resources, the Division of Drinking Water and the Division of Water Quality. 

“Public input is a critical part of building a resilient water future for all of Utah,” said Candice Hasenyager, chair of the Water Development Coordinating Council and director of the Division of Water Resources. “These public meetings are crucial for us to engage with the communities we serve directly, guiding the local water infrastructure priorities.”

The public meetings will provide an overview of the UWIP prioritization process, its goals and how it will impact local water projects. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and provide input into the prioritization process that will help shape the plan’s development. 

“This new statewide plan represents a major shift towards a more integrated approach to water management,” said John Mackey, vice chair of the Water Development Coordinating Council and director of the Division of Water Quality. “We are excited about the collaboration this process fosters, as it ultimately leads to better, more resilient outcomes for our communities.”

Details on the dates, times and locations of the four public meetings can be found at the UWIP webpage. For more information, contact Michael Sanchez, public information officer, at 385-226-8967 or email msanchez@utah.gov.

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The Utah Division of Water Resources is one of 10 divisions housed within the Department of Natural Resources. Tasked with planning, conserving, developing and protecting Utah’s water resources, the division serves as Utah’s water steward.