The Legislative Water Development Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, at 8:00 AM in the 110 Senate Building. Members of the public may participate remotely by visiting the commission’s webpage to access live streaming options.
The commission will consider several pieces of draft legislation during the meeting. Rep. Rex Shipp is scheduled to lead a discussion regarding Groundwater Management Amendments that address processes when water rights are subject to nonuse. Rep. Carl Albrecht will present draft legislation for the Water Rights Restricted Account Amendments, which seeks to modify purposes for the use of the account and prioritize water rights adjudication. Additionally, Rep. Scott Chew will present draft legislation regarding Colorado River Authority Membership Amendments to address member appointment and add an additional member to the authority. Rep. Doug Owens is scheduled to present draft legislation concerning the Transfer of Water Interests, specifically addressing the relationship between water rights, shares in water companies, and land conveyances.
The agenda includes presentations on aquifer status and Great Salt Lake restoration efforts. The commission will hear findings from an in-depth study of the Bountiful Sub-Area of the East Shore Area aquifer, covering current groundwater status and salt infiltration threats. This presentation will be delivered by Ronald Mortensen, Trustee of the South Davis Water District, and Jake Ferguson, General Manager of the South Davis Water District and President of the North Canyon Water Company.
Regarding the Great Salt Lake, Ian Harvey, a Water Resources Innovation Consultant and Adjunct Associate Professor in the University of Utah Department of Mechanical Engineering, will present on technological advances such as desalination and pipe manufacturing. The commission will also hear about private-sector initiatives, including presentations from Marcelle Shoop, Executive Director of the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust and Saline Lakes Program Director for the National Audubon Society, and Megan Nelson, Policy and External Affairs Director for The Nature Conservancy, Utah. Warren Peterson, a member of the Legislative Water Development Commission, will present on Great Salt Lake Accounting.
The meeting will also address phragmites removal coordination. The commission will hear from Rob Hougaard, Plant Industry Director at the Department of Agriculture and Food, regarding the role that the Department of Agriculture and Food plays in phragmites removal. Other commission business includes the call to order and the approval of meeting minutes from Sept. 17, 2026.
