The UWIP is currently seeking all water infrastructure projects that are likely to seek state funding within the next 20 years. Projects that are very likely to be entirely self-funded or funded through non-state sources do not need to be included on the list. However, if you are uncertain of current funding for a project and might come to the state in the next 20 years, we recommend adding your project to the UWIP Project Database form to be considered in the future. These types of projects can be added to the UWIP project list with a 0% state contribution estimate.

Water infrastructure entities eligible for inclusion in the UWIP can include any organization that deals with the supply, control, measurement, treatment, distribution, storage or transport of any drinking water, irrigation water, secondary water, wastewater, stormwater or other water sources in Utah.

Eventually, yes. Most water infrastructure projects wishing to receive state funding support will need to be included in the UWIP before they will be considered for funding. Emergency and water conservation-related projects may not need to be in the UWIP, as they have separate funding mechanisms, and this database is intended to capture only infrastructure-related projects.

Projects in the UWIP will be prioritized based on yet to be determined criteria. The level of funding to be available in the Water Infrastructure Fund is also unknown and is being analyzed and reviewed as part of this process.

The UWIP Project Database will be used to build the UWIP by providing a list of water infrastructure projects throughout the state. The list of projects identified will be used to help the Water Development Coordinating Council determine where funds should be allocated and when additional funds need to be requested from the state.

The project database form is now open and entities can see a full list of required project information with instructions by following the “Add Project Info” link at the bottom of this page.

The state Legislature has provided deadlines for multiple milestones that must be completed. One of those deadlines is to have a list of projects from each agency by June 30, 2025. In order to review and organize the data received by that deadline, project information must be collected from qualifying entities by May 9.

Entities will have the opportunity to submit new projects and updates to previously submitted projects on an annual basis. The state is currently working to develop a portal in which users will be able to log in and make updates to projects that were previously submitted or add to the list. This is a capability that will only be available in the future. With the current legislative deadlines, project submission for this initial effort will only be possible through the Google form described here.

If an entity needs to update projects for this first cycle, it will be necessary to email any requested changes to UWIPprojects@utah.gov. To be incorporated into the first prioritization process, any updates MUST be received by May 9, 2025.

Entities are encouraged to submit both new installation and repair and replacement projects. Projects are prioritized based on the criteria put forth by Utah Code 73-10g-603. Once a project is submitted it will go through the prioritization process to qualify for state funding. The purpose of UWIP is not to fund development nor to take on the burden of aging infrastructure. As such, the prioritization process will include criteria to strike a balance between varying infrastructure needs.    

Yes, planning documents such as capital asset management plans are eligible for UWIP fund consideration.

Agriculture off-farm is defined as any facility such as a canal, pipeline or dam that delivers water for agriculture, but excluding facilities that are on-farm and benefit individual farms.

Any grant funds related to safety upgrades of dams currently on the Utah dam safety priority list are separate from the UWIP and will be funded with the existing grant program.

New dams, maintenance, or other non-dam safety related issues are UWIP-eligible and would be considered for UWIP funding. Also, an entity could submit dam safety projects for UWIP funding if they would rather take care of known dam safety issues before grant funds are available from the dam safety grant program.

No, UWIP funding cannot be used to purchase water rights.

The Entity Contact Database was a way for entities to opt into getting information regarding UWIP during the initial outreach period. Because the UWIP Project Database is now open, the contact database is unneeded. Entities that filled out the contact database form should fill out the project database form.The UWIP Project Database will ask some similar contact questions to ensure future updates are provided to each interested entity. To be eligible to receive funding, entities MUST fill out the UWIP Project Database form that will be available until May 9, 2025.

The amount of funding that will be available in addition to current division funding is currently being studied and developed as part of a separate Infrastructure Fee Study. The need for future funding will be assessed using the results of this survey.

The exact prioritization process is currently in development. As guided by Utah Code 73-10g-603, prioritization criteria at a minimum will include:

• Hardship criteria
• Public interest, including conservation and the protection of public health and safety
• Criteria to ensure that the project is adequately designed based on sound engineering and   geologic considerations
• Local water infrastructure ranking
• Federal funding match consideration

For more information please read the Utah Code 73-10g-603.

Funding for UWIP projects is expected to be available beginning July 2026.

Current state funding mechanisms and structures will stay in place until the UWIP prioritization process becomes effective in FY 2027.

The UWIP will incorporate current funding mechanisms for the divisions of Drinking Water, Water Resources and Water Quality, including the State Revolving Fund.

The current funding mechanisms for dam safety, the Community Impact Fund Board, emergency and conservation funding will stay in place.

UWIP funding will be prioritized by the Water Development Coordinating Council and administered by the relevant agency boards; there is separate UWIP fee study currently looking into options. Some possibilities include a property tax, a sales tax or a use fee.

Matching funds may be required depending on the final funding source that is designated for a project. In entering projects for the UWIP project database, the intent is to have water entities enter any matching funds that they already anticipate will be used to help fund the projects.

No, you will not be required to participate in funding the Water Infrastructure Fund by submitting projects. The goal of the state in creating a UWIP project database is to better understand and plan for the water infrastructure planning needs within the state. The funding approach for the Water Infrastructure Fund is unknown and is currently being studied. However, determination of how funds are collected in the funding approach will not be based on which entities are on the project list.

All entities can choose whether or not to submit project needs to the UWIP. However, the UWIP process will be the only way to receive state funding for water infrastructure projects in the future. To opt out of the process means that you will not be eligible to receive state funding for water infrastructure projects. The only exceptions for funding outside of the UWIP are an emergency or a small water infrastructure project that receives less than an amount of water infrastructure fund money established by rule made by the Water Development Coordinating Council in accordance with Utah Code 63G-3.

UWIP is restructuring the way the divisions of Water Resources, Drinking Water and Water Quality fund water infrastructure throughout the entire state of Utah. Extensive data collection, research and stakeholder discussion is being completed to ensure a smooth transition.