Protecting Utah's Water.
Utah's water belongs to future generations as much as it belongs to us. Kay supports responsible stewardship, long-term planning and infrastructure that protects this critical resource.
The 2026 Legislature invested more than $66 million in protecting and preserving Utah's water resources.
Plan Today. Protect Tomorrow.
Utah cannot afford to treat water as an afterthought. Protecting existing supplies, maintaining critical infrastructure and planning responsibly are essential to preserving Utah's quality of life.
Kay supports investments and policies that strengthen water security while respecting Utah's long-standing water rights and local communities.
Protecting Utah's Water Future
This year's investments addressed immediate needs while preparing Utah to protect its water resources for the long term.
Great Salt Lake Protection
Funding to purchase water from the U.S. Magnesium project for the benefit of the Great Salt Lake.
Dam Safety Upgrades
Investment in maintaining and improving critical water infrastructure and dam safety.
Statewide Water Litigation
Funding to protect Utah's water interests and defend the state's long-term water rights.
Effluent Water Reuse
Investment in projects that expand the responsible reuse of existing water supplies.
Colorado River Compact
Funding related to Utah's commitments and interests within the Colorado River system.
Protect. Preserve. Plan.
Good water policy requires long-term thinking and responsible stewardship rather than short-term fixes.
Protect Existing Water Rights
Utah must preserve long-term water rights and prevent changes that unnecessarily reduce the availability of water for future generations.
Preserve Critical Infrastructure
Dams, storage systems and drinking-water infrastructure must be maintained so communities can depend on safe, reliable water.
Plan for the Long Term
Utah should use sound data, transparent planning and responsible conservation to ensure water decisions protect communities for decades to come.
A Comprehensive Approach
The Legislature addressed water through transparency, water rights, storage, leasing and protection of the Great Salt Lake.
Data Center Water Transparency
Requires large data centers to disclose water usage, giving policymakers and communities better information about impacts on scarce water resources.
Protecting Long-Term Water Rights
Preserves important lower-basin water resources and limits certain changes that could reduce future water availability.
Dedicated Water Amendments
Establishes a voluntary process allowing water-right holders to dedicate water for environmental and system benefits while retaining underlying rights.
Water Leasing Amendments
Provides a structured water-leasing process designed to deliver more water to the Great Salt Lake while preserving oversight and enforcement.
Great Salt Lake Amendments
Expands annual funding supporting the Great Salt Lake and helps ensure stakeholders contribute to its long-term preservation.