Overview
Water is one of Utah’s most valuable and limited resources, making responsible water management a critical responsibility for local governments. Through thoughtful planning, ordinances, and community programs, counties and municipalities can help protect water supplies while supporting continued growth and development.
Water-wise ordinances establish local standards and expectations that promote efficient water use. These regulations may address topics such as landscape design, irrigation practices, outdoor water use, development standards, and conservation measures for new construction. When carefully crafted, water-wise ordinances can help communities reduce unnecessary water consumption while still maintaining attractive, functional, and sustainable neighborhoods.
Water conservation plans take a broader, long-term approach by identifying current water use patterns, projecting future demands, and establishing strategies to ensure reliable water supplies. These plans are especially important for communities experiencing rapid growth, communities with significant agricultural water demands, and communities facing increasing pressure from drought conditions or limited water availability.
Effective water management requires more than simply adopting regulations. Local governments must understand how federal and state water laws, regional water planning efforts, and local water supply conditions interact. A well-designed approach balances conservation goals with practical considerations such as economic development, property rights, agricultural needs, and the community’s ability to implement and enforce new requirements.
For Utah municipalities that also operate as public water suppliers, water conservation planning is not optional. The 2022 Water Conservation Act, codified in §73-10-32 of Utah State Code (as amended), establishes requirements for certain public water suppliers to prepare and implement water conservation plans. These plans are intended to encourage efficient water use, reduce waste, and help ensure that Utah’s water resources remain available for current and future generations.
Ultimately, water-wise ordinances and conservation plans are tools that allow communities to be proactive rather than reactive. By planning ahead, communities can better manage limited water resources, support responsible growth, and build resilience in an increasingly water-conscious state.
Content Contributors: Jones and DeMille Engineering, Inc, Hansen Planning Group, LLC / Rural Community Consultants
Special Note: This material was developed by civiclinQ for the Land Use Academy of Utah (LUAU). Funding for the development of this material was provided by through the Land Use Training Fund, which is administered by the Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman , utilizing a portion of the 1% surcharge on all building permits in the State of Utah.
The role of this organization in administering funding is primarily administrative and should not be viewed as legal advice. Always consult your legal representative when addressing land use activities.
Use the ‘Materials’ tab above to view related course materials, including printable pass-along card and PDF version of this online course.
