Environment (Drinking Water)

HB 154 directs Utah's Division of Water Resources to study water loss in public water systems from 2015 to 2024, compiling data on system size and analyzing industry practices for both public systems and end-use losses. The study requires the division to make recommendations for improving water loss estimates and reducing actual water losses. The division must report findings to the Legislative Water Development Commission by October 31, 2026. The bill also repeals related provisions by July 1, 2027, with most provisions effective May 6, 2026.

HB 155 requires Utah residential water suppliers to adopt a three-tiered rate structure by July 2027, designed to encourage water conservation. The tiers must include: one block for efficient indoor use, one for efficient indoor/outdoor use, and one for wasteful use, with higher rates for increased usage. Suppliers must include water conservation efforts in the highest usage tier's rate calculation and provide clear billing details to customers. The bill applies to residential customers primarily served by retail water suppliers, with specific requirements for rate transparency and conservation funding. It does not appropriate new funds but modifies existing rate-setting rules under Utah Code Section 73-10-32.5.

HB 19 requires community water systems serving 3,300 or more people to create and update emergency response plans by December 2026 (with annual updates), while smaller systems must do so by July 2027. It mandates that any security breach threatening water quality or supply must be reported to the Utah Cyber Center within two hours. The bill also requires the Division of Drinking Water to annually report on security practices to legislative committees and classifies emergency response plans as protected records. These provisions aim to strengthen cybersecurity and emergency preparedness at drinking water facilities across Utah.