Written by: Shawn Teigen
The Great Salt Lake is a substantial part of Utah’s culture, economy, and ecosystem. That said, it was among the least important of 17 items prioritized by Utah voters in early 2024. It is not clear if its low priority is because the Great Salt Lake is seen as a regional issue, or if the issue was considered resolved after the critically low water levels in 2022 were – at least temporarily – abated. Human … Continued
Written by: Staff
Having enough water was important to voters in the 2024 Utah Priorities Project. Survey respondents across various demographic groups felt very similarly about this issue. Most of the open-ended comments focused on ensuring that Utah has enough water, particularly in light of the state’s rapid population growth. Three current issues regarding water are the efforts to encourage less residential outdoor water use, legislation that incentivizes agricultural efficiency, and updates to the Colorado River interim guidelines. … Continued
Written by: Christopher Collard
Each November, Utahns have a chance to shape government to fit their needs. Ideally, the voters’ voices serve as a compass to correct the course of government and shape society. However, information gaps can preclude an ideal outcome. First, politicians and policymakers need to understand Utahns’ priorities. Second, voters need relevant background on the issues that matter most. The Utah Foundation’s Utah Priority Project seeks to fill those information gaps and provide that background. Priced … Continued
Written by: Shawn Teigen
Utah is one of the driest states in the nation. Making sure the state manages water well is essential to its rapid population growth and economic expansion. This report, Flowing in the Desert: A Primer on Utah Water Law, focuses on providing a background of Utah’s water law. A basic understanding of water law is essential for any policy discussion about water. Water law provides the foundation upon which the rest of Utah’s water policy … Continued