The Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District serves as a regional utility that includes Kearns within its service area, according to an ordinance adopted by the Kearns Metro Township Council on February 14, 2022. The district operates as a specialized entity focused on water management and conservation efforts for the residents it serves.
In an effort to manage water as a limited resource, the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District has adopted and recommended updated Water Efficiency Standards. According to the council's ordinance from February 14, 2022, these standards were designed with the specific goal of reducing overall per capita water use throughout the district's service area. The adoption of these standards aims to promote the conservation of water and assist in keeping water rates reasonable for residents of Kearns.
As part of these regional water management efforts, the Kearns Metro Township Council took action to replace its previous water efficiency standards with the Jordan Valley Water Conservation District water efficiency standards. This change was codified in the revised Chapter 19.77 of the Kearns Metro Code, which was adopted by the Council as of February 14, 2022. The updated standards establish specific requirements for water-efficient landscape design and development, which include setting minimum plant quantity standards for both residential and non-residential uses. These standards also address buffering requirements for non-residential uses when they are located adjacent to residential uses.
The broader purpose of these water efficiency standards, as stated in the February 14, 2022, ordinance, is to establish guidelines for the protection and enhancement of environmental, economic, recreational, and aesthetic resources. The standards are intended to promote the conservation of the public's water resources by establishing conservation standards for both outdoor landscaping and indoor plumbing fixtures. Additionally, the standards aim to improve the management of stormwater runoff and reduce energy consumption through the prudent placement of plant materials.
Beyond water conservation, the district's influence is felt through its intersection with other local governance bodies. For example, the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District is listed as an outside agency in the Kearns Improvement District's agenda for a meeting scheduled for July 14, 2026. This meeting of the Kearns Improvement District Board of Trustees was scheduled to discuss various administrative, operational, and financial matters, including the General Manager's Report and the Public Works Report.
Residents seeking assistance with participation in public meetings held by local districts, such as the Kearns Improvement District, may contact Jamie Banh at 801-968-1011. As of the notice posted on July 8, 2026, the district allows for reasonable accommodations for disabled persons who provide at least three days of advance notice to ensure they can participate in public meetings.
What this means for Kearns
For Kearns residents, the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District's standards mean that local building and landscaping regulations are tied to regional conservation goals. By following these efficiency standards for plumbing and landscaping, residents help manage the local water supply and help maintain reasonable water rates for the entire service area.
