Bill > HB0076

This bill amends existing Utah law to require reporting on water usage by large data centers, which are defined as facilities using 75 acre-feet of water annually or more, housing networked servers, exceeding 10,000 square feet, and requiring significant infrastructure for operation and power. Specifically, before a local government approves a land use application for a new large data center (one starting operations after July 1, 2026), they must notify the Division of Water Rights, the Division of Water Quality, and the relevant water provider. Furthermore, at least 90 days before construction begins, the data center operator must inform their water provider of anticipated water needs and report to the Division of Water Rights details about the location, estimated water withdrawal, plans for discharge treatment and temperature adjustment, and any water reuse or replacement activities. Once operational, data center operators must annually report efforts to reduce water consumption, actual withdrawals, and environmental protection measures, with this data to be published on the Division of Water Rights' public website, though certain proprietary information may be protected. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements can result in daily fines of up to $100, enforced by the Division of Water Rights.