| OCR Text |
Show Executive Summary I i This report by the Utah Water Conservation Advisory Board on recommendations for water conservation standards and regulations for the state of Utah is in response to requirements of Section 207( f) of the Central Utah Project Completion Act ( CUPCA) of the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 ( PL 102- 575). The board, established under administration of the Utah Department of Natural Resources by a February 4, 1994, executive order of the governor of Utah, is comprised of the eight- member Utah Board of Water Resources and a ninth member representing the Utah Outdoor Interest Coordinating Council. The Utah Water Conservation Advisory Board recommends requiring water management and conservation plans, encouraging water conserving landscapes and expanding water conservation education in Utah. The board also recommends the following potential water conservation standards and regulations proposed in the CUPCA legislation. Water Management and Conservation Plans • All water suppliers should develop a water management and conservation plan. The Utah Board of Water Resources, Drinking Water Board and the Community Impact Board should require a water management and conservation plan from all applicants for state funding for water projects. • The Central Utah Water Conservancy District should require a water management and conservation plan as a condition for receiving funds under Section 207 ( b) & ( e)( 2) of the Central Utah Project Completion Act ( PL 102- 575). For emergency projects, the suggested requirement for a water management and conservation plan may be waived at the discretion of the boards. Plans must be based on environmentally sound principles. The technical staff of funding agencies should provide assistance to develop plans for small utilities and irrigation companies and include the cost for their preparation as part of eligible project costs. Utah has no current state or local requirement to develop water management and conservation plans. The U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, however, requires conservation plans from users of water from bureau projects, and other western states require periodic plans and reports from water utilities. The policy of the Utah Board of Water Resources is to encourage applicants for board funding to conserve water. A basic water management and conservation plan should include a brief description of the water utility or company and its policies and service area, documentation of water sources through water rights or contractual agreements, a history of water use, projections of future water use, provision for public involvement, periodic evaluation, and short- term emergency measures. |
