Climate change and years of drought have highlighted the need for Utah to stretch its water supply and improve efficiency. Careful use of our stored resources, especially during wet years like 2023 and 2024, will ensure we have water later. The Utah State Legislature has made significant investments to help our state meet its water challenges and thrive.

The Division of Water Resources follows legislation as part of its mission to plan, conserve, develop and protect Utah’s water resources. Water legislation may directly result in funding, actions or adjustments that impact how we enact our mission. The division director presents a review of the division’s duties and ongoing programs to the Legislative Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee annually, to keep the Legislature appraised of actions and progress.

Note that not all water legislation applies to the division. Other state agencies that deal with water include the Department of Agriculture and Food, Division of Drinking Water, Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, Division of Water Rights, Division of Water Quality and Office of Administrative Rules.

You can track legislation at the Utah State Legislature site.

2022-2024 were record years for water legislation. Read more in the tabs below.