The Utah Senate, Utah House of Representatives, and Utah Department of Natural Resources brought together industry leaders, policy experts, elected officials, and stakeholders at the fourth annual Utah Water Symposium.
“Over the last several years, we have made tremendous progress in the way we think about and manage water in the Beehive State,” said Speaker Mike Schultz. “Governments, businesses, and everyday citizens have come together to conserve and safeguard our precious water resources like never before. We must continue to examine past policies to determine what’s working and what needs improvement, find opportunities to increase and improve our water supply and infrastructure, and ensure that we are conserving every drop of water that enters our state.”
“We have made great strides and remain committed to advancing innovative, proactive water policies that address Utah’s water challenges,” said Senate President J. Stuart Adams. “As stewards of our natural resources, we carry the responsibility to plan for the future, just as the pioneers before us did. Through creative solutions, foresight, strategic partnerships and forward-thinking policies, we will ensure Utah’s water resources meet the demands—both today and for generations to come.”
“Today’s symposium demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring water security,” said DNR Executive Director Joel Ferry. “We recognize there is more work to be done, and we need to evaluate the effectiveness of newly implemented initiatives. But we celebrate the unprecedented collaboration, investment and policy updates that have taken place.”
This year’s Utah Water Pioneer award was given to Zach Renstrom, general manager for the Washington County Water Conservancy District and a prime example of leadership to the water community. The Utah Pioneer award highlights a forward-thinking Utahn making a big difference for our state’s water resources.
Photos from today’s event can be viewed here.