TAKEAWAY
The way that new growth and development occurs in the state has a major impact on urban water demand. How we grow matters!
Development impacts urban water demand, as well as the health of watersheds and communities.
Utah is experiencing drought conditions, warmer temperatures, and population and economic growth. These changes, exacerbated by a changing climate, mean that we must build resiliency into the state’s land and water use planning by adjusting the habits that contribute to growing water scarcity and implementing measures to support responsible and sustainable growth.
During 2022, Utah saw unprecedented water conservation efforts at the state and local levels that succeeded in conserving billions of gallons of water. However, longer term solutions are also necessary. Optimizing use and reducing demand for municipal, commercial, institutional, and industrial water is also critical to ensuring that Utah’s limited water supply can equitably meet the needs of people, the economy, and the environment. Still, the pathway to achieving substantial water conservation presents both challenges and opportunities.
The way that new development in the state occurs has a major impact on water demand, as well as the health of the communities and watersheds in which it happens. Traditionally, responsibilities for water resource management and land use planning have been siloed in different levels of government, departments, and management entities. Land use planning that incorporates water use considerations can lead to more sustainable urban designs in terms of the built environment, urban ecology, and lifestyle patterns of Utah cities and towns. Utah took positives steps during the 2022 legislative session to ensure that land use and water planning are more fully integrated through the passage of SB 110. This legislation requires that water planning be part of the general plan of all cities and counties.
Utah State University faculty members are working in cooperation with the state’s Division of Water Resources and other groups to develop and implement Utah Growing Water Smart, a guidebook and curriculum to facilitate Utah communities’ integration of land and water use planning. Participating communities complete facilitated workshops that culminate in actionable plans and are also eligible for technical assistance grants.