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Maximum Daily Water Use Ordinance

At a glance

  • What: Ordinance 48 of 2026 formalizing a temporary land use regulation that limits non-residential properties to a maximum daily water consumption of 200,000 gallons per day.
  • Where it stands: Adopted September 15, 2026, 7-0; City directed to analyze implementation and explore conservation incentives.
  • Status: Adopted; directive for future analysis.

The ordinance

Ordinance 48 of 2026 amends Title 21A of Salt Lake City Code to establish a maximum daily water consumption limit for non-residential land uses at 200,000 gallons per day.

Exemptions

The following land uses are exempt from the 200,000 gallon daily limit:

  • Agriculture
  • Schools
  • Government-owned or operated facilities that primarily provide social services
  • Places of worship
  • Hospitals

Background

  • Temporary Land Use Regulation (TLUR) adopted March 24, 2026, modified exemptions to the maximum daily water use
  • This ordinance formally adopts the TLUR provisions
  • Applies to all zoning districts

Council action

  • Motion (Petro/Napier-Pearce): Adopt Ordinance 48 of 2026 and legislative action requesting Administration to: 1) Analyze water use data once the 200,000 gallon limit is in effect to determine whether further reduction is possible, and submit findings within nine months; 2) Explore additional incentives for smart irrigation controllers and other measures to reduce outdoor water use.
  • Result: Passed 7-0.

Council remarks

  • Council Member Puy: Emphasized importance of incentives for smart irrigation controllers as way to reduce outdoor water use and support water conservation efforts.
  • Council Member Dugan: Spoke about importance of protecting Great Salt Lake and reducing water use across all customer types.

Sources

Log

2026-09-15 - City Council Formal Meeting

Ordinance 48 adopted 7-0; Council directed staff to analyze implementation and explore conservation incentives including smart irrigation controller programs.

2026-07-21 - City Council Formal Meeting

Consent Agenda item (Petro/Dugan; 6-0, Wharton absent) set the August 18, 2026 hearing date; tentative action August 25.