Bill > HB0041

This bill amends Utah's state water policy to provide a comprehensive framework for managing water resources in one of the most arid states in the nation. The bill expands the existing water policy to include several new provisions, such as monitoring watershed activities in consultation with watershed councils, promoting water reuse with regional considerations, and supporting research and technology to achieve water management goals. The amended policy emphasizes water conservation, infrastructure development, water quality protection, and efficient water use across various sectors. Key additions include provisions for water banking, saved water strategies, protecting drinking water watersheds, addressing declining water levels in major lakes, maintaining stream flows for recreational and ecosystem health, and encouraging wastewater treatment for beneficial reuse. The policy also supports collaborative stakeholder engagement, transparent water laws, equitable access to safe drinking water, and the control of invasive species. The bill encourages state agencies to align their activities with these principles and mandates an annual review of the state water policy by the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not create a legal cause of action against state agencies and does not waive governmental immunity. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0041.html