LEGISLATIVE WATER DEVELOPMENT commiSSION

Members of the public may participate remotely in the meeting by visiting the commission’s webpage to access the live streaming options: https://le.utah.gov/committee/committee.jsp?year=2026&com=SPESWD

Approximate

timeframe

8:00

1. Commission Business

· Call to order

· Approval of the meeting minutes from September 17, 2026

· Other commission business

8:05

2. Draft Legislation: Groundwater Management Amendments

The commission will consider draft legislation that addresses processes when water rights are subject to nonuse.

· Rep. Rex Shipp

· Commission discussion/action

8:20

3. Draft Legislation: Water Rights Restricted Account Amendments

The commission will consider draft legislation that modifies purposes for the use of the Water Rights Restricted Account and prioritizes water rights adjudication.

· Rep. Carl Albrecht

· Commission discussion/action

8:35

4. Draft Legislation: Colorado River Authority Membership Amendments

The commission will consider draft legislation that adds an additional member to the Colorado River Authority and addresses how members are appointed.

· Rep. Scott Chew

· Commission discussion/action

8:50

5. Draft Legislation: Transfer of Water Interests

The commission will consider draft legislation that addresses water rights, shares in water companies, and their relationship to land conveyances.

· Rep. Doug Owens

· Commission discussion/action

9:05

6. Aquifer Study

The commission will hear findings from an in-depth study of the Bountiful Sub-Area of the East Shore Area aquifer, including current groundwater status and the threat of salt infiltration into the aquifer.

· Ronald Mortensen, Trustee, South Davis Water District

· Jake Ferguson, General Manager, South Davis Water District & President, North Canyon Water Company

· Commission discussion/action

9:25

7. Great Salt Lake Restoration

The commission will hear a presentation on technological advances, including in desalination and pipe manufacturing, and their potential impact on Great Salt Lake restoration.

· Ian Harvey, Water Resources Innovation Consultant & Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah

· Commission discussion/action

9:50

8. Private Sector Initiatives Supporting the Great Salt Lake

The commission will hear presentations on private-sector efforts supporting preservation of the Great Salt Lake.

A. Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust

· Marcelle Shoop, Executive Director, Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust & Saline Lakes Program Director, National Audubon Society

· Megan Nelson, Policy & External Affairs Director, The Nature Conservancy, Utah

B. Great Salt Lake Accounting

· Warren Peterson, member, Legislative Water Development Commission

· Commission discussion/action

10:20

9. Phragmites Removal Coordination

The commission will hear about the role of the Department of Agriculture and Food in phragmites removal.

· Commission staff

· Rob Hougaard, Plant Industry Director, Department of Agriculture and Food

· Commission discussion/action

10:30

10. Adjourn