2026 State Water Plan

The Utah Division of Water Resources has released its draft State Water Plan. To read the draft Plan, click here and here. To submit comments on the draft Plan, click here.

The Division will be hosting a virtual open house to discuss the draft Plan on July 30, 2026 from 6:30 to 7:30. To attend the virtual open house, click here. To submit a question for the virtual open house, click here.

Adoption of the Great Salt Lake Distribution Management Plan

The Division of Water Rights has published notice of its intent to adopt the Great Salt Lake Distribution Management Plan on October 1, 2025. A copy of the draft Plan can be viewed by clicking here.

For additional information regarding the notice, click here.

Public Meeting Regarding Groundwater Management Plan for Sand Hollow Area

The Utah Division of Water Rights has sent out notice of a public meeting to discuss the development of a groundwater management plan for the Sand Hollow area. The following information comes from the notice:

What: Public Meeting

Who: Sand Hollow Area Water Users

When: January 14, 2025, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Hurricane City Office, 147 N 870 W, Hurricane, Utah

Online: Remote participation of the public meeting will also be available online:  https://waterrights.utah.gov/publicmeetings/

Purpose: The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the development of a groundwater management plan for the Sand Hollow area. Personnel from the Division of Water Rights will be available to take all questions and comments provided by the general public and interested parties.

Agenda for January 14, 2025 Public Meeting
1. Welcome/Introduction
2. Sand Hollow Groundwater Hydrology Presentation by USGS
3. Groundwater Management Plan Discussion
4. Current Work and Next Steps
5. Public Questions/Comments

If you are unable to attend the meeting, but would like to provide input, please send your comments to:
Division of Water Rights
1594 West North Temple Suite 220
PO Box 146300
Salt Lake City UT 84114-6300
Email:  waterrights@utah.gov
Subject: Public Comment Regarding Sand Hollow Area GWMP

In accordance with the Americans with Disability Act, individuals needing special accommodations should notify Melissa Bowdren at (801) 538-7370 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting.

Information from the meeting will be posted on the Utah Division of Water Rights website at https://waterrights.utah.gov/groundwater/ManagementReports/SandHollow/ as a resource for those who are unable to attend the meeting or require additional information.

Adoption of Parowan Valley Groundwater Management Plan

The Division of Water Rights has adopted the Parowan Valley Groundwater Management Plan, as of October 15, 2024. The plan notes that safe groundwater yield in the area is 22,000 acre-feet, but current groundwater withdrawals/depletions are nearly 33,000 acre-feet -- which is unsustainable. In order to bring the system back in harmony, water rights are going to be permanently "phased out" over the next several decades, starting in 2043. By the year 2080, all water rights with priority dates later than December 5, 1951 will be gone and the system will (hopefully) be brought into balance.

To view the full Plan, click here.

Public Meeting Regarding Adoption of Groundwater Management Plan for Pahvant Valley

The Utah Division of Water Rights has set a public meeting to discuss the development of a groundwater management plan for Pahvant Valley (Area 67). Personnel from the Division of Water Rights will be available to take all questions and comments provided by the general public and interested parties.

What:  Public Meeting
Who:  Pahvant Valley Water Users
When:  November 13, 2024, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Millard County Courthouse, 50 South Main, Fillmore, UT 84631
Online:  Remote participation of the public meeting will also be available online:  https://waterrights.utah.gov/publicmeetings/

Agenda
1. Welcome/Introduction
2. Summary of Groundwater Hydrology Study by UGS Staff
3. Groundwater Management Plan Discussion
4. Policy, Current Work, and Next Steps
5. Public Questions/Comments

If you are unable to attend the meeting, but would like to provide input, please send your comments to:
Address: Division of Water Rights, 594 West North Temple Suite 220, PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City UT 84114-6300
Email: waterrights@utah.gov
Subject: Public Comment Regarding Pahvant GWMP

In accordance with the Americans with Disability Act, individuals needing special accommodations should notify Melissa Bowdren at (801) 538-7370 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting.

Information from the meeting will be posted on the Utah Division of Water Rights website as a resource for those who are unable to attend the meeting or require additional information.

For more information about the meeting, click here.

Public Meeting Concerning the Groundwater Policy for Emery / Johns Valley

The Utah Division of Water Rights has set a public meeting to discuss the results of a recently published groundwater hydrology study performed by the Utah Geological Survey and to discuss the groundwater appropriation policies in the Emery / Johns Valley. Personnel from the Division of Water Rights will be available to take all questions and comments provided by the general public and interested parties.

What:  Public Meeting
Who:  Emery/Johns Valley Water Users
When:  November 14, 2024, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where:  Garfield County Courthouse, 55 South Main, Panguitch, UT 84759
Online:  Remote participation of the public meeting will also be available online:  https://waterrights.utah.gov/publicmeetings/

Agenda
1. Welcome/Introduction
2. Summary of Groundwater Hydrology Study by UGS Staff
3. Groundwater Appropriate Policy Discussion
4. Public Questions/Comments

If you are unable to attend the meeting, but would like to provide input, please send your comments to:
Address:  Division of Water Rights, 1594 West North Temple Suite 220, PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City UT 84114-6300
Email:  waterrights@utah.gov
Subject:  Public Comment Regarding Emery/Johns Valley Public Meeting

In accordance with the Americans with Disability Act, individuals needing special accommodations should notify Melissa Bowdren at (801) 538-7370 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting.

Information from the meeting will be posted on the Utah Division of Water Rights website as a resource for those who are unable to attend the meeting or require additional information.

For more information about the meeting, click here.

Public Meeting Regarding Appropriation Policy for Weber and Davis Counties

The Utah Division of Water Rights has set a public meeting to discuss the appropriation policy for the Weber Delta Sub-Area of the East Shore Area of the Great Salt Lake (Area 31 and Area 35) in Davis County and Weber County. The policy change is being driven in part by Governor Cox's recent proclamation to close the Great Salt Lake drainage to new water appropriations. The following information is from the public meeting notice:

What: Public Meeting
Who: Weber Delta Sub-Area Water Users and interested parties
When: March 8, 2023, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Roy High School, 2150 West 4800 South, Roy
Purpose: The purpose of the meeting is to present a proposed update to the appropriation policy in the Weber Delta Sub-Area of the East Shore Area of the Great Salt Lake in Davis County and Weber County. Personnel from the Division of Water Rights will be available to take all questions and comments provided by the general public and interested parties.

Agenda:
1. Welcome/Introduction
2. Summary of Current Appropriation Policy and the Governor's Proclamation
3. Update to Appropriation Policy
4. Public Questions and Comments

The meeting will also be broadcast via Internet at https://waterrights.utah.gov/publicmeetings.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can provide written comments to the Division of Water Rights at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300.

For more information about the meeting, click here.

For current water right policies in Area 31, click here.

For current water right policies in Area 35, click here.

Public Meeting Regarding Appropriation Policy for Bear River Basin

The Utah Division of Water Rights has set a public meeting to discuss the appropriation policy for the Bear River Basin in Cache County (Area 25). The policy change is being driven in part by Governor Cox's recent proclamation to close the Great Salt Lake drainage to new water appropriations. The following information is from the public meeting notice:

What: Public Meeting
Who: Bear River Basin Water Users and interested parties
When: February 22, 2023, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Council Chambers, Cache County Building, 199 North Main, Logan
Purpose: The purpose of the meeting is to present a proposed update to the appropriation policy in the Bear River Basin area of Cache County. Personnel from the Division of Water Rights will be available to take all questions and comments provided by the general public and interested parties.

Agenda:
1. Welcome/Introduction
2. Summary of Current Appropriation Policy and the Governor's Proclamation
3. Update to Appropriation Policy
4. Public Questions/Comments

The meeting will also be broadcast via Internet at https://waterrights.utah.gov/publicmeetings.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can provide written comments to the Division of Water Rights at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300.

For more information about the meeting, click here.

For current water right policies in Area 25, click here.

Public Meeting Regarding Appropriation Policy for Bear River Basin

The Utah Division of Water Rights has set a public meeting to discuss the appropriation policy for the Bear River Basin in Box Elder County (Area 29). The policy change is being driven in part by Governor Cox's recent proclamation to close the Great Salt Lake drainage to new water appropriations. The following information is from the public meeting notice:

What: Public Meeting
Who: Bear River Basin Water Users
When: February 6, 2023, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Multi-Purpose Room at USU Brigham City, 989 South Main, Brigham City
Purpose: The purpose of the meeting is to present a proposed update to the appropriation policy in the Bear River Basin area of Box Elder County. Personnel from the Division of Water Rights will be available to take all questions and comments provided by the general public and interested parties.

Agenda:
1. Welcome/Introduction
2. Summary of Current Appropriation Policy and the Governor's Proclamation
3. Update to Appropriation Policy
4. Public Questions/Comments

The meeting will also be broadcast via Internet at https://waterrights.utah.gov/publicmeetings.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can provide written comments to the Division of Water Rights at PO Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300.

For more information about the meeting, click here.

For current water right policies in Area 29, click here.

Proclamation Closing Great Salt Lake Basin to New Water Right Appropriations

Governor Spencer Cox has issued a proclamation closing the entire Great Salt Lake basin to new water right appropriations. This includes Bear River and its tributaries, Bear Lake and its tributaries, Jordan River and its tributaries, Weber River and its tributaries, and all other sources tributary to the Great Salt Lake in Box Elder County, Weber County, Davis County, and Salt Lake County.

The proclamation was deemed necessary based on the historic low water levels in the Great Salt Lake. 

The exceptions to the proclamation are:

1--applications for non-consumptive uses; 

2--applications that include a mitigation plan to offset depletion; and

3--applications for small amounts of water that comply with State Engineer basin policies.

To read the press release from the Governor's office, click here.

To read the proclamation, click here.

Public Meeting Concerning Groundwater Policies for Juab Valley

The Utah Division of Water Rights will be holding a public meeting to present the results of a recently published groundwater hydrology study and to present updates to the groundwater appropriation policies for Juab Valley. The information below comes from the public meeting notice.

What: Public Meeting

Who: Juab Valley Water Users

When: December 12, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Where: County Commission Chambers, 160 North Main, Nephi

Purpose: The purpose of the meeting is to present the results of a recently published groundwater hydrology study performed by the Utah Geological Survey and to present updates to the groundwater appropriation policies in the valley. The development of a groundwater management plan will also be discussed. Personnel from the Division of Water Rights will be available to take all questions and comments provided by the general public and interested parties.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, but would like to provide input, please send your written comments to:

Division of Water Rights
1594 West North Temple Suite 220
PO Box 146300
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300

Agenda for December 12, 2022 Public Meeting
1. Welcome/Introduction
2. Summary of Groundwater Hydrology Study by UGS Staff
3. Updated to Groundwater Appropriation Policy
4. Groundwater Management Plan Discussion
5. Public Questions/Comments

In accordance with the Americans with Disability Act, individuals needing special accommodations should notify Marianne Burbidge at (801) 538-7370 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting. 

Information from the meeting will be posted on the Utah Division of Water Rights website at http://waterrights.utah.gov as a resource for those who are unable to attend the meeting or require additional information.

For more information about the public meeting, click here.

Drought Emergency Order

Gov. Spencer J. Cox declared a state of emergency due to the dire drought conditions affecting the entire state. This declaration activates the Drought Response Committee and triggers increased monitoring and reporting. It also allows drought-affected communities, agricultural producers and others to report unmet needs and work toward solutions.

To read the full text of the governor's executive order, click here.

Cedar City Valley Groundwater Management Plan

On January 11, 2021, the Utah Division of Water Rights formally adopted the Cedar City Valley Groundwater Management Plan. The primary objective of the Plan is to ensure that groundwater withdrawals in the area do not exceed the safe yield. To achieve this objective, water rights will be "phased out" over time based on priority dates. The table below shows the priority regulation schedule. The Plan does allow for water users to agree to participate in a voluntary arrangement to manage groundwater withdrawals on a system other than by priority date. 

The Plan is a significant development in the management of groundwater resources in the area, and will affect water rights and water uses in the area for several decades to come. All groundwater users in the area should be well acquainted with the Plan and what it means for their individual water rights in the future.

To read the full Plan, click here.

Proposed Cedar City Valley Groundwater Management Plan

The Utah Division of Water Rights has published notice of its intent to adopt a groundwater management plan for Cedar City Valley in Iron County. The public notice is included below:

PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF THE CEDAR CITY VALLEY GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
This is notice of the State Engineer's intention to adopt a groundwater management plan for Cedar City Valley in Iron County. The groundwater management plan will be adopted 60 days from the date of this notice.
A copy of the plan is available on the Division's website at www.waterrights.utah.gov or upon request to the following address: Division of Water Rights 1594 West North Temple Suite 220 P.O. Box 146300 Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300 

To view the public notice, click here.

To review the proposed Groundwater Management Plan and associated documents, click here.

New Online Tool for Preparing Affidavits of Beneficial Use

The Utah Division of Water Rights has debuted a new online tool to help water right owners prepare Affidavits of Beneficial Use.

Under Utah law, a water right owner is required to file Proof on certain water right applications, including Applications to Appropriate, Exchange Applications, and Change Applications. A Proof must be prepared by a licensed engineer or surveyor. For small applications, however, a water right owner can prepare and file an Affidavit of Beneficial Use instead of having to file Proof. A small application is defined as an application for less than 1 home, 0.25 acres of irrigation, and 10 head of livestock.

The new online tool will make it even easier for water right owners to prepare and file Affidavits of Beneficial Use, as well as the maps required to accompany the Affidavits. The new tool is available here.

Groundwater Management Plan and Policy Update for Cedar City Valley

The Utah Division of Water Rights has set a meeting to discuss a groundwater management plan and policy update for Cedar City Valley in Iron County. The following information is from the public meeting notice:

What: Public Meeting
Who: Cedar City Valley water users
When: October 15, 2019, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Cedar High School Auditorium, 703 West 600 South, Cedar City
Purpose: The purpose of the meeting is to discuss a groundwater management plan and policy update for Cedar City Valley in Iron County.  Personnel from the Division of Water Rights will be available to take all questions and comments provided by the general public and interested parties.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, but would like to provide input, please send your written comments to:
Division of Water Rights
646 North Main St.
PO Box 506
Cedar City, UT 84721-0506

Agenda:
1. Welcome/Introduction
2. Groundwater Management Plan and Policy Update Discussion
3. Public Questions/Comments

For additional information regarding the meeting, click here.

Amendment to the Southern Utah County Groundwater Management Plan

The Utah Division of Water Rights has published notice that the Utah / Goshen Valley Ground-Water Management Plan has been amended. The amendments are effective as of June 11, 2019.

To view the amended Plan, click here.

To view more information about the amendments and the amendment process for the Plan, click here.

New Policy Regarding Domestic Duty Considerations

On December 28, 2018, the State Engineer issued a new policy regarding the amount of water required for domestic (culinary) use. Historically, the Division of Water Rights has used a "duty" of 0.45 acre-feet per residence per year, which is based on an estimated 400 gallons per day. Recent studies have shown that due to conservation efforts, water efficient appliances, and other considerations, Utah households only use about 70 gallons per person per day. Thus, a home with four people will only use about 280 gallons per day, or 0.314 acre-feet per year.

The State Engineer notes that 0.45 acre-feet per residential connection is still a safe number to use, and it is the number that the Division will continue to use for domestic use if there is no evidence to suggest otherwise. However, the Division "will consider reduced amounts of water required per connection in applications filed if the projected usage rate numbers are based on scientific evaluations and the water used is measured and reported to the Division of Water Rights through the Water Use Program." The policy does not provide additional explanation regarding what evidence and "scientific evaluations" will be sufficient to convince the Division to depart from the standard requirement of 0.45 acre-feet per residential connection.

The policy also notes that part-time residences (such as cabins) may only require 0.16 acre-feet per year or less, which is a decrease from the current requirement of 0.25 acre-feet per year. The same considerations outlined above would apply in getting the Division to approve part-time residences with a diversion limit of less than 0.25 acre-feet per connection.

To read the full policy, click here.

New Policy Regarding Muncipal Use Water Rights

On December 28, 2018, the State Engineer issued a new policy for extending the list of those allowed to hold municipal water rights. This new policy is an expansion of the State Engineer's policy on municipal use water rights issued in December 2010.

Prior to 2010, only public entities, such as cities, towns, and districts, could hold municipal water rights. The 2010 policy extended municipal use rights to "public water suppliers," as defined in Utah Code section 73-1-4. Public water suppliers are generally larger water providers that serve more than 100 connections or 200 residents on a year-round basis. The new policy extends municipal use rights to "public water systems," which are smaller water providers that serve at least 15 connections or 25 individuals for a minimum of 60 days each year.

If public water systems wish to have municipal use water rights, they will need to file change applications on their water rights to convert them to municipal use. Additionally, all municipal water use will have to be metered and reported to the Division's Water Use Program.

It is important to note that even though the smaller "public water systems" will be allowed to hold municipal use water rights, they are still not qualified as "public water suppliers" and will therefore not be entitled to the special protections provided to public water suppliers under Utah Code sections 73-1-4 and 73-3-12.

To read the full policy, click here.

New Policy Regarding Depletion Limitations on Certificates

On December 28, 2018, the State Engineer issued a new policy regarding depletion limitations on certificates. The policy reiterates that when a new certificate is issued for a newly appropriated water right or for a change application, the certificate sets limitations for diversion and depletion amounts. Once the depletion limits are set through a certificate, the depletion limits cannot revert to their prior (and higher) amounts.

Consider the following example. A landowner has an irrigation water right that allows him to divert 1 acre-foot to irrigate 0.25 acres. This water right has a depletion limit of 0.5 acre-feet, based on a 50% depletion rate for irrigation in the area. The landowner files a change application to allow the water to be used for the domestic use of 1 home (0.45 acre-feet of diversion) and irrigation of 0.1375 acres (0.55 acre-feet of diversion). The diversion limit would remain 1 acre-foot, but the depletion limit would be reduced from 0.5 acre-feet to 0.365 acre-feet ((0.45 acre-feet of domestic use x 20% depletion rate) + (0.55 acre-feet of irrigation use x 50% depletion rate)). The change application is then approved and certificated. Later, the home burns down, and the landowner files a new change application to revert the water right back to irrigation. The new, lower depletion rate will limit the amount of irrigation. In other words, the landowner will no longer be able to divert 1 acre-foot to irrigate 0.25 acres, but will only be able to irrigate 0.1825 acres with a diversion limit of 0.73 acre-feet and a depletion limit of 0.365 acre-feet.

To read the full policy, click here.