Bill > HB0490

This bill amends existing Utah law to establish a study on the classification of agricultural water diversions, defining "agricultural diversion" as water used for crop production, livestock, and similar purposes, but excluding lawn irrigation, municipal or industrial use, golf courses, parks, athletic fields, and wildlife habitats. The study, to be conducted by the Division of Water Resources (referred to as "the division") in coordination with the Division of Water Rights, will identify the number, type, and volume of diversions currently classified as agricultural, and determine how much water under this classification is used for non-agricultural purposes, with recommendations for potential legislative action to be reported by November 30, 2026. Additionally, the bill repeals certain reporting requirements for the Agricultural Water Optimization Committee by January 1, 2027, and a study on water diversion classification by July 1, 2027, while also modifying provisions related to the committee's oversight of research and contracts from a previous task force.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0490.html