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Show SECTION 7 STATE WATER PLAN - JORDAN RIVER BASIN REGULATION/ INSTITUTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS The regulation of water resources is necessary to manage conflicts and to provide for orderly future planning and development. 7.1 Introduction This section discusses the agencies responsible for water regulation in the Jordan River Basin. This includes consideration of water rights, water quality and environmental concerns. Historic City and County Building in Salt Lake City Two state agencies, the Division of Water Rights and the Department of Environmental Quality, are primarily responsible for the regulation of water in the Jordan River Basin. The Division of Water Rights, under direction of the State Engineer, regulates water allocation and distribution according to state water law. Water quality is regulated at the state level by the Department of Environmental Quality through two agencies, the Division of Water Quality and the Division of Drinking Water. These agencies operate in accordance with the Utah Water Quality Act and the Utah Safe Drinking Water Act. Water quality is also regulated by provisions of various federal acts. 7.2 Setting Water regulation is generally carried out under the direction of these state agencies, although some federal agencies become involved when it is included in their mandates. Local, public and private institutions and entities usually manage and operate the water systems at the basin level. 7.2.1 Current Regulations Under Utah water law, the distribution and use of water is based on the doctrine of prior appropriation. The Division of Water Rights is charged with the regulation and administration of water rights, and the division has a regional engineer for the Utah Lake- Jordan River Basin. On September 1, 1944, the court ordered the State Engineer " to make a determination and adjudication of all rights to the use of water from Utah Lake in Utah County, and of the Jordan River in Utah and Salt Lake counties, and its tributaries." To facilitate the administration and management of water rights, the Salt Lake County portion of the Jordan River Basin has been divided into two management areas ( See Figure 7- 1). The area west of the Jordan River is designated as Area 59, while the area east of the Jordan River is designated as Area 57. To date the only portion of Area 57 which has been adjudicated is Emigration Canyon. The Proposed 7- 1 |
