Daggett County adopts water-conservation element to general plan (Ordinance 26-06)

Daggett County commissioners voted to adopt Ordinance 26-06, adding a water conservation element to the county general plan to comply with SB 110 (2022) and Utah Code 17-27A. Committee member (S2), who moved the ordinance, said the plan "integrates conservation targets, land use policies, and infrastructure standards to ensure that new development is matched with reliable sustainable water supplies." The motion, seconded and called to a voice vote, carried.

Commissioners and staff emphasized that the adopted element is primarily a planning document rather than a punitive regulation. S2 read the plan's conclusion aloud, noting it documents existing conservation plans across municipal and agricultural water systems and recommends "rigorous source sizing standards, adopting ultra efficient development practices and prioritizing outdoor water conservation." At least one commissioner (S5) said he supports conservation measures but cautioned against any provision that would effectively require local users to "give up" water rights to meet downstream or regional needs.

The commission noted that Planning & Zoning held a public hearing on the proposed change and that published notice and public comment were solicited; no substantive public testimony was reported in this excerpt. The ordinance was described as subject to future revision as growth, technology and water availability evolve; commissioners said any unforeseen enforcement provisions or penalties would be handled separately from the plan element.

Next steps: the commission adopted the ordinance and will retain the plan as a guiding element of the general plan. Staff flagged no immediate implementation actions tied to specific penalties in the adopted language.