Alan Matheson State Planning Coordinator November 19, 2013 Preparing for an Uncertain Future: Developing a Utah Water Strategy Alan Matheson Executive Director Utah Department of Environmental Quality Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Gary R. Herbert

Water

Utah’s population will nearly double in size. Utah will not.

Utah’s Water Challenges Utah is the second driest state Utah is among the fastest-growing states Changing Climate Conditions Interstate Water Competition Funding Deep political divide over water strategy

“In Utah, we don’t believe in sitting back and seeing where growth will take us. We seek to be visionary and to actively secure our future. Together, we will develop a voluntary, locally implemented, market-driven vision to help keep Utah beautiful, prosperous, healthy and neighborly for current residents and future generations.” Governor Gary R. Herbert October 29, 2013

State Water Strategy

Governor’s Request Year 1: Town Hall Meetings – Gang of 6 – 8 town hall meetings – 800 online comments received – Summarized in white papers

Governor’s Request Year 2: Water Strategy Advisory Team – Objective: Develop 50-year water plan – Solicited and evaluated potential water management strategies – Provided framework for public feedback – Developed set of strategies and ideas from broad input Your Utah, Your Future Survey

Vision Our vision sees the citizens of Utah working together to solve what may be the most daunting challenge we have ever faced: how to stretch limited water supplies to meet the needs of the estimated 6 million people expected to call Utah home by the year 2060.

Avoid Planning Disconnects

Assumptions Utah's population will double by approximately Existing water infrastructure wearing out. Water is a finite and variable resource that is affected by climate. Utah values agriculture. Utah values a vibrant economy. Water quality is important. Utahns value water as part of the natural environment. Need will drive technology, which will drive change. Wise and efficient use of water will be necessary (conservation). The cost of water will continue to increase. Key Policy Questions Methods Issues How will we supply water to 5 million Utahns? Municipal supply development and conveyance Water efficiency (conservation programs) Conversion of agricultural supplies Construction of new water supply projects Related large infrastructure Large-scale funding mechanisms Preservation of existing funding sources Innovation How will we ensure a reliable water delivery infrastructure? Repair and replacement of existing Funding mechanisms Capital asset management plans Innovation Construction of new local Funding mechanismsInnovation

How will we develop water supplies to meet varied and ever-increasing demands? High per capita use for M&I All new supply = costs and tradeoffs Transfers from agriculture?

What should we do to preserve natural systems in the face of increasing water demands? Last in line Ecosystem needs Species protection Instream flows needs Funding for infrastructure

How will climate variations influence water allocation? Climate model uncertainty Impact of reduced snow pack on water resources How do we adapt? Preparatory costs – when do we invest?

How will we adapt water law to address changed conditions? Public water supplies and the free market Build on 150 years of water law Better water planning

What is the role for Policy Makers? Educate them on water Enlist them to educate the public on water Structure for effective planning Financing infrastructure

What should we do to assure sufficient land and water for food production? Conversion of ag to M&I Funding ag infrastructure improvements Real efficiencies Viable ag business enterprises Water pricing and the market

A Strong Message from Your Utah Your Future Is the public really willing to do this?

IT IS NOT ABOUT SAVING A FARM…OR AG LAND…OR AG WATER Utahns want to protect & increase food production in Utah 97% chose one of two scenarios in which food production in Utah substantially increases for all products by IT IS ABOUT BUILDING A VIABLE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY

What roles will technology play in addressing Utah's future water needs? Additional drinking water regulations Mass balance modeling Affordability of newest technology Water quality enhancements New conservation methods Increased ag output/reduced water Decision-making processes Public response

How do we ensure water quality? Same resources managed by different agencies with different philosophies Link between water quantity and water quality Coordination of efforts

What is Utah’s role in conservation? High water use on landscape Inconsistent per capita data Social resistance to change Environmental impacts of conservation Budgetary impacts to municipals and districts

Utah’s Water Conservation Goal The State’s goal is a reduction of per capita water use of at least 25% by 2025 Long term ethic, not just in response to drought Focus has been on bringing water use in line with actual needs New water Savings Technologies

Utah’s Water Conservation Progress

The Role of Urban Planning

How will we fund R&R of existing water infrastructure? Major infrastructure R&R needs Replacement costs Reduced federal participation Increased state participation

How will we plan and fund new water infrastructure? New water development needs New water distribution needs Growth limitations from insufficient infrastructure Water supplies for increased ag needs Governor’s budget criteria