Great Salt Lake ‘toolbox’ presented to West Valley Council as state pushes municipal conservation requirements

Representatives from the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council and consultants introduced a Water Conservation Toolbox intended to help municipalities meet new state planning and rate-design requirements and to protect inflows to the Great Salt Lake.

Ariana (Ari) Mason of SWCA environmental consultants said the toolbox collects model outdoor and indoor water ordinances, sample rate structures, incentives and examples tailored to municipal needs. The presentation stressed two recent state requirements: cities must add a water use and preservation element to their general plans by Dec. 31, 2025, and House Bill 274 requires municipal water suppliers to adopt a conservation-related tier for the highest residential block by July 1, 2027.

Presentation materials highlighted resources — rebates for WaterSense smart irrigation controllers and high-efficiency toilets, landscape-incentive programs (up to $3 per square foot for lawn conversion in qualifying areas), and technical support from the University of Utah and Utah Waterways. Presenters emphasized outdoor-use reductions as the largest opportunity to lower depletions and described programs such as Water Check and the Water Maps analysis for targeting high-use parcels.

Presenters urged cities to consider tiered rate design that places more cost in volumetric tiers to promote conservation while maintaining affordability and revenue stability. They said the toolbox is accompanied by recorded presentations, a summary PDF and contact lists for technical assistance that cities may use when crafting policy changes.

Council members asked clarifying questions and were directed to toolbox resources and partner organizations for support.