Committee favors HB 400 to push water-efficient landscaping for new construction in Great Salt Lake drainages

Representative Owens presented HB 400 as a water-conservation measure that encourages cities in the Great Salt Lake drainage that lack a water-efficient new-construction ordinance to enact one. He said the bill carries no enforcement penalties but aims to spur action through statutory direction and coordination with the Division of Water Resources.

"When water is delivered to a house, 60% of the water is used outside over the year," the sponsor said, arguing that requiring efficient landscaping in new construction yields the greatest long-term water savings.

Joel Williams, director of the Division of Water Resources (remote testimony), told the committee the bill complements recently required general-plan work and helps municipalities translate planning into ordinance-level action.

Representative Ward moved that the committee pass HB 400 with a favorable recommendation. After discussion and recorded objections from a few members, the committee passed the bill (reported outcome: 7–2–3 with named nays and online members noted). The sponsor said the measure is a small step toward broader efforts to address the Great Salt Lake’s water balance.

Next step: HB 400 moves forward with a favorable committee recommendation.