South Salt Lake City has updated its water resource plan to secure the city’s long-term water supply. These changes were primarily driven by a new state law (SB 110), which required municipalities to integrate water use and preservation planning with land use planning by the end of 2025.

“This update will not propose any immediate changes to the municipal code, but this will serve more as a guidance to provide increased focus for future development and co-amendments to consider and involve water conservation efforts and efficient water usage,” Jed Shum, a community development planner, told the city council at an Oct. 29 work meeting. “Through this update in the general plan, the city will continue to explore and adopt new technologies, best practices and educational programs that are proven to reduce water consumption and demand.”

As it addresses its water needs, South Salt Lake faces two significant challenges: aging distribution pipes—many of which are more than 50 years old—and declining well capacity. To meet current demand, the city must supplement local well production by purchasing water from the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, which is significantly more expensive than city-sourced well water.

To address these hurdles, the city has identified several infrastructure solutions:

New well sites: The city has acquired property for a new well at 150 W. Price Ave. and is considering redeveloping the unused Bolinder Well to support the downtown area. City officials are also considering constructing a new well in the Harmony Park area.

Pipe replacement: An ongoing effort to replace old, galvanized steel pipes with copper has reached a 75% completion rate. This initiative, particularly within city parks, has led to an estimated 15% reduction in water consumption by reducing leaks.

These efforts appear to be yielding results; the city has successfully reduced per capita water use by 21% since 2000. However, city officials say there is still room for improvement regarding indoor and outdoor waste. To encourage further conservation, the city will continue to:

Restrict outdoor watering hours: Watering remains prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Mandate drip irrigation: Required for all non-turf areas.

Develop new ordinances: A commercial landscape ordinance is currently being drafted.

Adjust rates: A new water rate structure was adopted last June to discourage waste, following a minor rate increase in the summer of 2024.

As new high-density and transit-oriented developments enter the city, they will be required to follow strict water-efficient landscaping and irrigation codes. The city has also implemented International Plumbing Code standards for all new construction, mandating the installation of low-flow fixtures.

“We'll also improve the coordination between water conservation and land use planning to promote sustainable growth,” Shum said. “That includes coordination between the city's internal departments like public works, neighborhood and community development on the city water conservation efforts. Through integrated efforts, city departments can become well-versed in optimal approaches to water conservation and efficient water usage across the city's diverse duties and services.”

“Ultimately, with this update it will help us ensure that South Salt Lake City remains at the forefront of water conservation and continually improving our approach to manage the city's water resources for both current residents and future generations,” he said.