Utah water study recommends pricing changes
Nov 20, 2024, 11:00 AM | Updated: Nov 21, 2024, 4:34 pm
Water flows into the City Creek water treatment plant as construction continues in Salt Lake City on Friday, March 22, 2024. (Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)
(Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — A study commissioned by the Utah Division of Water Resources recommended that Utah implement “more aggressive” tiered rates for water use.
Tiered rates refer to the amount charged for water, based on the type of usage and consumption amount.
According to the study, which was completed by LRB Public Finance Advisors, a “more aggressive” rate structure would charge higher amounts to those who use more water.
Division Director Candice Hasenyager said this could incentivize people to use less water. Additionally, it could help fund some some big needs in the state between now and 2060.
“When we look out to 2060 it’s a pretty long runway, but we do have a $60 billion estimated need for water projects.”
According to Michael Sanchez, the Division of Water Resources public information officer, the study does not guarantee any changes to the Utah water policy. It is just a guide for legislators.
“We want to ensure the best available information on how we currently fund water in the state and considerations if policy changes modify it,” said Hasenyager.
What else did the study recommend?
Increased pricing was just one of six recommendations made by the study.
The study also recommended clarifying water policy priorities and defining “reasonable water rates.” The document said that Utah water policy currently does not address priorities or determine what a reasonable rate would be.
However, the study does say that Utah’s water is the most affordable compared to similar states. It listed the following states: Arizona, Colorado, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon.
Per the study, Utah water costs have remained low through the use of property taxes, as well as through the conversion of agricultural water to city and industrial uses and federal and state funding programs.
Secondly, the study recommended adding required drinking and secondary water metering. Similar to tiered rates, metering could lead to increased water conservation.
The study also recommended establishing a special water-use rate for organizations that do not pay taxes.
The Utah Division of Water Rights made the full study available online.
Mariah Maynes is a digital content producer for KSL NewsRadio.
Related: Utah needs $60 billion in water infrastructure upgrades in the next 35 years, state report finds
