What new drought regulations may mean for districts

Water resource management has risen to the forefront of conversations in the Beehive State. The reason for this is clear: we are still in a drought statewide. Lack of rainfall and lack of clarity in the use of water resources has led Utah beyond a breaking point.

This year, the Utah legislature stepped in to help with the drought, passing close to a dozen water-related regulations to help curb its effects and to protect the state’s water systems.

Although the snowstorms that took over the northern US in April did help, spring is beginning with Utah in much of the same boat as it’s been in past years. To that end, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declared another state of emergency in late April of this year.

Unlocking resources 


What the state of emergency does is help communities, districts and property owners of all types to ask for government resources to help combat the drought conditions.

Where this is key is concerning reservoir levels, which as of this writing were at 59%. State funds could directly help residents if drinking water is impacted, or if farmers could see catastrophic crop results without an infusion of public water supplies.

Restrictions may occur

Cox mentioned during his emergency declaration that water restrictions in Utah may take place again, but it is going to be on a “district-by-district” basis. One way to potentially stem any restrictions is to cut back already on water consumption overall.

New efforts on the way
As part of the legislative effort to help with the drought. Some of the laws cover the Great Salt Lake Watershed, including newly funded restoration efforts and the acquisition of water rights to benefit the lake.

Another effort funded the fast-tracking of metering secondary water, which could save more than 80,000 acre-feet in water. Tracking secondary water can decrease water consumption at a building by 30%. There’s also a statewide turf buy-back program that will be in place for homeowners who replace lawns with environmentally friendly landscaping. Also, cities and counties now need to consider water as part of any land use plans.

How we can help
If you have any questions on how this new package of water regulations may affect your district, we can help. We track how laws are going to be enforced and can guide you on what to expect on what the regulations actually spell out for properties in your district. Consider visiting the UASD website, where you can reach us with any questions you may have.