About the Division of Drinking Water

At the Division of Drinking Water (DDW), we ensure the safety of Utah’s drinking water by regulating the state’s public water systems. We support the design and safe operation of these systems by enforcing state and federal EPA regulations, reviewing engineering plans, and certifying water system operators.

Our mission

Protecting and improving Utah’s drinking water while supporting communities and growth statewide.

Our vision

The Division of Drinking Water will operate as a single cohesive team; sharing the responsibility of working in partnership with water systems across the State of Utah; to empower water systems to be more resilient, proactive, and with a greater financial and technical capacity; to be able to plan for and provide Utahns with access to safe and reliable drinking water now and into the future.

What we do

• Enforce drinking water quality standards to protect public health.
• Support the design and safe operation of public water systems through plan reviews and permitting.
• Provide technical and emergency assistance to water systems across the state.
• Administer loans and grants for drinking water infrastructure projects.
• Certify the operators of public water systems to ensure they have the expertise to run the systems safely.
• Manage programs to ensure the security and resilience of water infrastructure, including cybersecurity.

Our leadership and governance

Contact us

• For emergencies, specific staff contact info, or to find our address and hours, see our main contact page.
  Contact the Division of Drinking Water
• For rural or local issues, such as questions about your public water system, assistance for a new water project, or help with permitting, your best first contact may be one of our District Engineers.
  Find your District Engineer

Frequently Asked Questions

More answers

• Operator Certification FAQ’s 
• Concerns About Developing New Water Sources 
• Utah Drinking Water: A Consumer’s Guide 
• FAQ’s: Lead in drinking water 

What is a public drinking water system?

A public drinking water system is legally defined as any drinking water system (publicly or privately owned) which serves 15 or more connections, or 25 or more people at least 60 days out of the year.

How do I find out what is in my drinking water?

The best way to obtain this information is to reach out to your drinking water provider directly. Per EPA regulations, your water system is required to provide you with an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) that details this information, and they often post it on their website. You can use our Water System Search Form to find your local system and contact them to request the CCR.

Does the federal government or EPA regulate Utah’s public drinking water systems?

There is a Federal Safe Drinking Water Act which applies to all public drinking water systems in the country. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given Utah primacy for enforcing the federal act within its boundaries. (Primacy means primary enforcement responsibility.) To qualify for this primacy, Utah’s laws and rules governing public drinking water systems must be at least as strict as the federal law.

See also the EPA’s Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water.

Why can’t I find information about well or spring locations on your site?

DDW considers this information sensitive, so it is not available over the Internet. You can obtain information on sources and source protection zones through a formal Government Records and Management Act (GRAMA) request to our office. General information on historical records of water rights and points of diversion in the state can be obtained from the Division of Water Rights: (801) 538-7240.

What if my water comes from a private well or a non-public system?

The rules of the Utah Drinking Water Board do not pertain to systems serving fewer than 15 connections or 25 people. However, some local health departments do have rules pertaining to private water suppliers. For information on contacting local health departments, see the Directory of Local Health Departments. See also Information on private wells and springs.

What is the difference between the department’s Division of Drinking Water and the Division of Water Quality?

The Division of Drinking Water (DDW) regulates public water systems to ensure your tap water is safe to drink. The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) works to protect Utah’s rivers, lakes, and streams, which includes regulating wastewater (sewer) treatment facilities. Both divisions are under the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

How do I know which water agency to contact?

While the Division of Drinking Water focuses on public health and the safety of your tap water, other state agencies handle different aspects of water rights, resources, and rules.

• Utah Division of Water Rights (Department of Natural Resources): Legally, all water in the state is owned by the State of Utah. This division administers the legal rights for its use. It also issues well-drilling permits, licenses well drillers (as does the Division of Drinking Water), and runs the state’s dam safety program.
• Utah Division of Water Resources (Department of Natural Resources): Focuses on statewide water resource planning and provides funding for a variety of municipal and agricultural water projects.
• Utah Department of Agriculture and Food: Regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, ensuring it meets comprehensive safety and labeling requirements set by the FDA.
• Utah Division of Administrative Rules: Serves as the official keeper and publisher of all state agency rules, including those pertaining to water.

Who regulates bottled water or home water treatment devices?

• Rules regarding bottled water are administered by the Utah State Department of Agriculture and Food.
• There are currently no State rules regarding the safety or effectiveness of home water treatment devices. However, the popular press does occasionally review these devices.
• The National Sanitation Foundation is an independent standard-setting organization. This organization has established standards for bottled water and home water filters. Many manufacturers produce their products in accordance with their standards.

How do I find out if my tap water is safe to drink?

Every year, your public water provider prepares a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) that details the quality of your drinking water, including any contaminants that were detected. DEQ has a CCR resource page that explains the report and provides a link to the EPA’s tool to find the specific CCR for your area.

How can I get my home’s water tested?

The Division of Drinking Water does not test water for private individuals. However, we do maintain a list of labs that are certified by the state to perform water testing. You can find a lab in your area and the specific substances they are certified to test for on our resource page.

Is there fluoride in my drinking water?

The decision to add fluoride to drinking water is made by local communities and water systems, not the state. Recent legislation has changed the requirements for fluoridation in Utah.