Committee backs water-loss study bill that uses existing data to identify system leaks

Representative Owens presented HB 154 (substitute), describing the measure as a limited, in‑house study to estimate water losses in distribution systems by comparing source-metering and end-use metering data. Joel Williams, acting director of the Division of Water Resources, explained that common causes include leaks, tank overflows and unmetered flushing and that the U.S. average loss is about 16 percent, with some older systems seeing losses of 30 percent or higher.

"It's essentially water that goes into the system and then is not accounted for in revenue generation," Williams said, adding that the proposed review would use already-submitted water-rights and meter data rather than imposing new data collection burdens on small towns.

Committee members pressed whether prior audit bills had run; Williams said water-loss audit bills had been tried in prior years but were unsuccessful, and that this bill intends to study losses and recommend next steps rather than impose penalties. Public testimony from the Utah Home Builders Association supported the effort as a helpful start.

Representative Watkins moved to pass HB 154 (substitute) with a favorable recommendation; the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The bill will move to the House floor.