Extreme drought and climate change have highlighted the need for Utah to stretch our water supply and improve efficiency. 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. You can track legislation at the Utah State Legislature site.
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.
2022 and 2023 were record years for water legislation. Read more in the tabs below.
2023 Water Legislation
Numerous bills related to water were introduced this legislative session. The division director presented a review of the division’s duties and programs to the Legislative Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee on January 23, 2023.
The legislative session ended on March 3. Appropriations for water infrastructure and conservation reached $500 million. $200 million will go towards agricultural optimization. Many changes to benefit Great Salt Lake and other water resources were made. This significant investment impacts our division and sister agencies.
