The Eastern Summit County Planning Commission voted 3-2 to forward a recommendation to the county council on a proposed Water Element amendment to the Eastern Summit County general plan, following a public hearing and detailed commissioner discussion on conservation measures, irrigation, and regional water funding.

Planning staff Ray introduced the item and project manager Maddie presented the draft Water Element. Maddie said the amendment is required by state code and must be adopted by the Council by Dec. 31, 2025; county staff are scheduled to present the full document to the county council on Nov. 18. She summarized key findings: Eastern Summit County has just over 11,000 residents served by about 4,600 metered connections, many residents rely on private wells, water providers vary widely in size, and available data on future capacity is limited. Maddie also recited the governor’s regional conservation goals — a 20% reduction by 2030 and 26% by 2040 from a 2015 baseline — and the state requirement to include a water-use and preservation element in general plans.

Public comment was not offered. Commissioners extensively discussed potential additions and edits: Commissioner Bill urged staff to research and promote heat‑recirculating pumps to reduce the water wasted while waiting for hot water and suggested educational and incentive programs at the building-permit level. Commissioners and staff discussed secondary (irrigation) water systems, the role of golf courses and large users in local water use, and incentives and funding to support conservation and capital upgrades. Several commissioners urged language encouraging collaboration with Weber Basin Conservancy District and seeking funding to support local capital projects such as loss reduction, secondary-water expansion and infrastructure repairs. Marion and Darcy voted no on the motion to forward the element as presented; other commissioners voted aye.

Maddie noted the draft is a working document and staff can incorporate the commission’s edits; commissioners asked that the chapter return for another review before the Nov. 18 council hearing if schedule permits. The commission asked staff to add more explicit language on incentivizing water-saving measures (rather than mandates), to expand education about available state programs (including in‑stream flow options), and to include a recommendation that the county seek funding partnerships with Weber Basin to support Eastern Summit County projects.

The commission’s positive recommendation (3–2) will be forwarded to the county council, with staff to incorporate the commissioners’ suggested edits and to present a revised chapter in advance of the council’s Nov. 18 review if possible.