Senate approves study of public golf-course water use, 23-1

The Utah Senate on Feb. 12 approved first substitute Senate Bill 92, directing a study of water use at publicly owned golf courses and requiring state-run courses to develop water-use plans. The motion to read the bill a third time passed by roll call, with the chair announcing 23 yea votes, 1 nay vote and 5 senators absent.

Supporters said the study is intended to identify efficiencies and conservation opportunities at publicly owned courses, not to mandate uniform changes for private clubs. "They found that they had 40 to 50% water savings on the course just by having a different sprinkler system," Senator McKay said while describing modern irrigation work at a Utah County course as evidence that changes can yield substantial savings.

Senator McKay said the bill’s requirement is focused on publicly owned courses — those owned by cities, counties or the state — and that participation by private courses would be voluntary. "These are publicly owned golf courses by the cities, or by counties, or by the state, that really will be studying and just trying to find efficiencies with the water," McKay said.

Opponents cautioned against a blanket statewide approach and argued for local control of water rights. "These people have bought water shares… they're entitled to the water that… they've bought," Senator Hinkins argued, saying local agricultural and aquifer needs in southern and eastern Utah differ from concerns on the Wasatch Front.

Senators discussed limiting the study to publicly owned courses or confining requirements to state-managed courses. McKay said he was open to refining the bill’s scope and meeting with senators who raised geographic concerns.

The bill’s text, as presented on the floor, requires state courses to develop plans based on the results of the study; private courses may volunteer data. The sponsor said the study is intended to inform future policy decisions and help identify straightforward retrofits and system upgrades that could lower consumption.

The measure will move forward as approved by the Senate; any further changes could occur in subsequent committee work or in the companion measure if considered by the House.