House approves water‑transparency bill requiring data disclosure for extrajurisdictional distributions
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Summary
First substitute HB 124 (Water Holdings Accountability and Transparency Amendments) passed the House 58‑12 on March 1, 2018. Sponsor said the bill requires cities that distribute water outside their corporate boundaries to provide data already provided to the state engineer and to disclose distribution costs to end users for planning and transparency.
The Utah House passed first substitute House Bill 124 on March 1, 2018, a transparency measure requiring municipal water suppliers that distribute water extra‑jurisdictionally to provide information to the state engineer and to disclose costs to end users. The bill passed 58‑12 and will be transmitted to the Senate.
Sponsor Representative Coleman said the measure was informed by the state water strategy, which recommended improved water data to help policymakers, investors and residents plan in a state with limited water resources and rapid population growth. The bill asks municipalities that distribute water outside their boundaries to submit the same information they provide to the state engineer and to make certain cost and distribution information accessible.
Colleagues emphasized transparency and commended the sponsor for narrowing the bill to avoid undue burden on small water districts. Representative Noel and others described Salt Lake City’s complex portfolio of water rights and the importance of accessible data for planning. Opponents representing canyon communities said the bill could be perceived as targeting Salt Lake City and raised concerns about potential impacts to watershed protection and local control.
After debate the House approved the bill by voice and recorded vote; the Clerk reported 58 yes, 12 no.