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Committee advances narrow water-planning bill for Washington, Kane counties

Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Standing Committee · February 18, 2026

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Summary

House Bill 187 (second substitute) would permit water conservancy districts in lower-Colorado-basin counties to plan and secure water rights in advance of development; the Senate committee passed the bill after testimony from Rep. Jack and Zachary Redstrom of the Washington County Water Conservancy District.

Representative Jack described House Bill 187 as a targeted, short bill to protect Utah water rights by allowing long-term planning and acquisition of water rights by water conservancy districts before development occurs. He said the change prevents potential loss of rights as water moves downstream to other states.

Zachary Redstrom, general manager of the Washington County Water Conservancy District, testified that HB 187 is narrowly tailored to Washington and Kane counties—areas in the Lower Colorado River Basin—and would give local districts flexibility to conserve and develop water when needed. “Zachary Redstrom here, general manager of the Washington County Water Conservancy District,” he said in his introduction.

Committee members did not register public opposition. Senator Hinkins moved to pass HB 187 with a favorable recommendation; the committee advanced the bill by voice vote and the chair ruled passage unanimous.

The bill now moves to the full Senate.