Board pre-approves pilot grants for transparent water-billing program; vote passes 5–1

The Utah Board of Water Resources voted Jan. 30 to pre-approve additional pilot grants for the division’s transparent water-billing program, a statewide effort to fund software, messaging and meter-data tools that inform water users about household consumption and leaks.

Josh Zimmerman of the division described the program, which funds local entities to deploy billing portals, text-message alerts, leak detection and customer outreach. Zimmerman said earlier rounds emphasized an 85% cost share to maximize uptake; staff recommended shifting to a 50/50 cost share to increase local buy-in and stretch program dollars. He told the board the program requires baseline water-use data and an outdoor irrigation component and that, in pilot sites, targeted messaging reduced water use roughly 12% compared with control groups.

Board members discussed program details, privacy protections, incentives to increase sign-ups and options for smaller systems. Board Member Dana Van Horn said the program was a “game changer” for her former employer (Grama Water & Sewer Service Agency), and asked the division to consider scaled cost-sharing for small systems. Zimmerman said staff will track lessons learned and share results with the board.

The motion pre-approving pilot grants directing each award to pay up to 50% of project costs passed by roll-call vote with one dissent: Board Member Dana Van Horn recorded a “no” on the final tally. The rest of the voting members recorded “aye.” Staff said application intake was open and that a current application window closed the next day.

Ending: Zimmerman and staff offered to provide periodic updates and lessons learned to the board as pilot projects are implemented.