Council adopts updated 2025 Water Conservation Plan after public input urging stronger targets

Ogden City Council voted on Dec. 9 to adopt the updated 2025 Water Conservation Plan (joint resolution 2025‑6), a five‑year update required under state law. Water Utility Director Brady Hurd and Water Conservationist Matt Hack outlined the city’s water portfolio (Pineview wells, seasonal treatment plant, Taylor Canyon, airport well and Weeper Basin contract water), current gallons‑per‑capita metrics and actions prioritized for the next five years: infrastructure renewal, leak detection, expanded smart‑meter analytics, pressure management, public outreach and strengthened landscape ordinances.

During public comment, Amy Wicks of Utah Rivers Council (Great Salt Lake Waterkeeper) called the state target of 175 gallons per capita “far from ambitious,” urged a stronger tiered‑rate structure and recommended smart controllers in city parks. Other residents raised concerns about equitable impacts of regulations and the need to coordinate code changes with conservation goals.

Council members asked technical questions about the 36‑inch transmission line, meter technologies such as Flow by Moen, and the relative effect of industrial versus residential demand on per‑capita projections. After discussion the council adopted the plan by roll call. Chair White voiced concern the long‑term per‑capita reduction goal was too modest, but the resolution passed.

The plan will be a working document aligned with the city’s water master plan; staff said next steps include continued infrastructure projects and outreach to encourage residential conversions such as Flip Your Strip and smart‑controller rebates.