Agricultural Water Optimization Task Force

The Agricultural Water Optimization Task Force was formed to identify critical issues facing the State’s long-term water supply, to optimize agricultural water supply for future needs, and to sustain Utah’s vital agriculture industry and heritage. The task force will also identify obstacles and constraints to optimization and recommend ways to improve the quantification of agricultural water use. 

This will help the State evaluate ways to improve agricultural water use practices, create benefits for farmers, optimize water use, and protect water quantity and quality for all uses in the system. 

The task force will share its findings with the legislative Water Development Commission; the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee; the Executive Water Task Force; water providers; and the general public.

HB0381 Agricultural Optimization

HB0039 Agricultural Water Optimization Task Force Amendments

Case Studies & Reports

Final Case Study of Emery County Agriculture Water Quantification System Implementation  – (March 2020)  The overall purpose of this project is to engage stakeholders in Emery County (including water managers and producers) and to understand, document, and evaluate the drivers, methods, costs, benefits and lessons learned from the implementation of a network of flow measurement structures with transparent, Real-Time Monitoring and Control System.

Research Plan for Agricultural Water Optimization in Utah – (February 2019) This memorandum takes a look at what water and agricultural management practices can maintain or increase agricultural production while minimizing impacts upon water supply, water quality and the environment. The report outlines a research framework at both the basin and on-farm scale in Utah.