This bill creates an office within the Division of Water Resources for managing state water projects.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
Utah's water infrastructure would get a new dedicated management structure under this bill, which creates the Office of Water Management inside the Division of Water Resources, led by an appointed water manager whose job is to oversee state water projects — things like reservoirs, pipelines, and flood control works — for the long-term public benefit and to increase the state's reliable water supply. The office could acquire property, manage water rights, set water rates, and contract with other agencies, while local governments, special districts, and state agencies could nominate water projects for the office to manage through a formal approval process established by the Board of Water Resources, which would weigh available funding, long-term water supply benefits, and whether another agency might be better suited to run the project. The bill also would slightly adjust the board's existing powers, clarifying that it can delegate project management to this new office and removing references to the board's role in Columbia Interstate Compact matters. Finally, the office would be required to maintain a detailed plan tracking the condition, maintenance needs, and replacement timelines of physical assets it oversees, and to report on that plan to two legislative committees starting in 2030 and every five years after.
Introduction
Jan 27
Senate Rules
Mar 4
Senate Committee
Jan 30
Senate 2nd Reading
Senate 3rd Reading
House Rules
House Committee
House Floor Vote
Governor
IntroductionJan 27
Senate RulesMar 4
Senate CommitteeJan 30
Senate 2nd Reading
Senate 3rd Reading
House Rules
House Committee
House Floor Vote
Governor
This bill creates an office within the Division of Water Resources for managing state water projects.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
Utah's water infrastructure would get a new dedicated management structure under this bill, which creates the Office of Water Management inside the Division of Water Resources, led by an appointed water manager whose job is to oversee state water projects — things like reservoirs, pipelines, and flood control works — for the long-term public benefit and to increase the state's reliable water supply. The office could acquire property, manage water rights, set water rates, and contract with other agencies, while local governments, special districts, and state agencies could nominate water projects for the office to manage through a formal approval process established by the Board of Water Resources, which would weigh available funding, long-term water supply benefits, and whether another agency might be better suited to run the project. The bill also would slightly adjust the board's existing powers, clarifying that it can delegate project management to this new office and removing references to the board's role in Columbia Interstate Compact matters. Finally, the office would be required to maintain a detailed plan tracking the condition, maintenance needs, and replacement timelines of physical assets it oversees, and to report on that plan to two legislative committees starting in 2030 and every five years after.
Senate/ filed
Senate file for bills not passed
Senate/ strike enacting clause
Senate Secretary
Senate/ comm rpt/ sent to Rules
Senate Rules Committee
Senate Comm - Recommends Returned to Rules
Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee
Senate Comm - Held
Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee
Last updated Aug 29, 2026, 5:26 PM