Public input wanted for Unified Water Infrastructure Plan

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Water Development Coordinating Council will be holding public meetings to gather public input on the new United Water Infrastructure Plan (UWIP).

The Utah Division of Water Resources said that there will be four meetings held in October where Utahns can learn more about the state’s new approach to funding water projects. Attendees can also share their perspectives on the future of Utah’s water.

“Public input is a critical part of building a resilient water future for all of Utah,” said Candice Hasenyager, chair of the Water Development Coordinating Council and director of the Division of Water Resources. “These public meetings are crucial for us to engage with the communities we serve directly, guiding the local water infrastructure priorities.”

The Utah Division of Water Resources said that the UWIP is being prepared as a result of House Bill 280 from the Utah Legislature in 2024. This planning is designed to create an organized list of water infrastructure projects.

The goal of the UWIP, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources, is to streamline the process for entities seeking funding and improve coordination among the Division of Water Resources, the Division of Drinking Water and the Division of Water Quality. 

“This new statewide plan represents a major shift towards a more integrated approach to water management,” said John Mackey, vice chair of the Water Development Coordinating Council and director of the Division of Water Quality. “We are excited about the collaboration this process fosters, as it ultimately leads to better, more resilient outcomes for our communities.”

Details on the public meetings can be found on the UWIP webpage.