Utah Division of Water Rights

If you weren't able to attend the public meeting regarding the Pahvant Valley groundwater study, it is available on YouTube (https://lnkd.in/gfUAf2C3) or you can access the link via Paul's post below.

We participated in this study with experts here in Utah, and from California and New Mexico. The goal was to collaboratively understand how to become more resilient to drought and other climate changes in order to protect agriculture and ecosystems. Utah has been very proactive in shaping water measurement and reporting practices, and our division looks forward to continuing data collection practices that allow responsible management of the state's waters. This is great summary some efforts being made, and what still needs to be done to manage water in the southwestern U.S. https://lnkd.in/gucFQZrM

What a powerful example of collaboration and cross-cultural learning! We’re thrilled to see the connections and shared insights between Jordan and Utah, especially on such a critical issue as climate change. This presentation and your exchange experience through the Jordanian American Leadership Exchange Program (#UJLEP) are exactly why these programs matter—bringing unique perspectives together to address global challenges in ways that benefit both local and international communities. A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this exchange a success: IREX and Utah Division of Water Rights. We’re excited to see the lasting impact of these partnerships and look forward to supporting the ongoing work that strengthens environmental solutions in Jordan, Utah, and beyond. Congratulations to all the participants! #internationexchange #utahglobaldiplomacy #citizendiplomacy #internationalexchange

Great article on how Utah is working to respect long-held water rights while improving conservation. https://lnkd.in/g6v6jEF4

Incredible project. Shout out to our own Jim Goddard, manager of well drilling and geothermal, who collaboratively works with companies like Fervo to get projects like these up-and-going. Jim truly understands all the details of Utah geothermal and its potential. He is one of the best.

Our division is the primary, state-level regulatory agency over exploration, development, drilling, construction and operation of geothermal systems. Members of our team review and permit geothermal activities statewide including: - geothermal water rights - geothermal drilling - inspections - maintenance - geothermal system reporting; and - well abandonment. We review applications, issue permits, and monitor and inspect work during development and operation. Our team also maintains a database of all geothermal information in the state. The state of Utah utilizes less than .1 percent of its total geothermal energy potential. Because of that, there are great opportunities to develop this clean, reliable and scalable energy source that has minimal impacts to the environment. For more information about geothermal energy in Utah, take a look at the great information from some of our partners: Utah FORGE (an international field laboratory managed by the Energy and Geoscience Institute at the University of Utah); www.energynet.com (a site managed by the Bureau of Land Management); the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy | U.S. Department of Energy; the Utah Geological Survey website (https://lnkd.in/gNXpfG49); or the Utah Office of Energy Development (energy.utah.gov).

The recently completed report, conducted for the Utah Division of Water Rights by Utah State University provides an in-depth examination of the division's current data and IT infrastructure, software systems and processes.?

We want to welcome a new enforcement engineer, Kolby Lloyd, to our division. Kolby received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Southern Utah University. He has been an engineer with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Dixie National Forest. Kolby is one of two full-time enforcement engineers who help the State Engineer enforce water law. These full-time engineers investigate possible water rights violations, review evidence, and work with alleged violators to find resolutions -- while ensuring the full and fair process of law. Before 2005, the State Engineer didn't have water rights enforcement authority. It had to be done through the courts which was a long, expensive process and often, ignored. In response, the Utah Legislature enacted new sections of statute, giving the State Engineer this authority and responsibility. To read more about the enforcement process, and how our engineers work to ensure water law compliance, take a look at the recently updated enforcement brochure that we give individuals when we start working with them on a potential problem: https://lnkd.in/gPHCRXT2

We are hiring a senior-level engineering position in the data services section. This role will oversee an innovative, statewide water rights-related program and will manage engineering staff. To apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/gKq33t3Z and review the job on LinkedIn here: https://lnkd.in/g2Um2DyP

The Utah Division of Water Rights staff diverted some of their money on Oct. 3, 2024, to support Salt Lake City-based nonprofit, Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering.?