Water Conservation

Utah's Progress Toward Statewide Goal

Utah’s statewide water conservation goal has been “25% by 2025,” that is, to reduce per-capita M&I water use by 25% when starting at the value estimated for 2000. Thanks to the efforts of many Utahns and their water providers, 2015 M&I per capita water use declined by at least 18% since then. Annual reporting from many individual water suppliers confirms significant progress in water conservation. According to the state’s most recent data, the 2015 statewide M&I water use estimate is about 240 gallons per capita per day (gpcd). Water suppliers and users alike are commended for their efforts to reduce water use.

The water conservation mindset begins with individual water users. By recognizing water as a limited resource and changing their water use practices accordingly, water users will directly impact the overall water situation and the achievement of the regional goals. All Utahns are encouraged to do their part in conserving water for Utah’s future.



Why We Need to Conserve Water

Today, Utah is among the fastest-growing states in the country. In 2016 it occupied the top position at 2.0% growth over one year, and now falls just behind Idaho and Nevada at 1.9% (U.S. Census Bureau 2016, 2017, 2018). Utah also happens to be among the driest states in the country in terms of its annual precipitation. Its water resources are finite and, as in many parts of the world, their future is uncertain. As Utah’s population continues to grow, so will its demand for water. As such, water development and water conservation should be considered in parallel.


Reasons to Conserve Water

Limited water supply in Utah

To help meet future water demands

To improve water levels in reservoirs.

To postpone large water projects from having to be constructed.

To delay expensive capital investments to upgrade or expand existing water facilities.

To reduce sewage flows, delaying the need for more wastewater treatment facilities.

To conserve energy as less water needs to be treated, pumped, and distributed to the consumer.

To lessen the leaching of chemicals and sediments into streams and aquifers.

To keep a more sustainable way of life, balancing human needs with that of the natural environment.

Download this information (and more!) in a handy brochure format from the Division of Water Resources website.



Conservation Tips

Below are some links to sites that offer conservation tips.