Division of Water Quality

2023 Triennial Review

The Utah Division of Water Quality is conducting the 2023 Triennial Review of Utah’s Water Quality Standards. DWQ is asking for comments from the public and stakeholders about recommended changes to Utah Administrative Code R317-2 Standards of Quality for Waters of the State. A public hearing to receive comments will be held at 6:00 PM December 14, 2023. Written comments will be accepted until 6:00 PM December 15, 2023.

For background information, supporting documents, details on the hearing, or to submit comments, visit DWQ’s Triennial Review page.

Potential Impacts from Flooding to Programs and Permits Administered by the Utah Division of Water Quality.

During the winter of 2022-23 the State of Utah has experienced record setting snowfall. The resulting snowpack is causing Statewide concerns of potential flooding and the impacts to water quality, which relate to a number of programs and Permits that the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) oversees. DWQ has created a webpage that includes information and facts sheets that address requirements for various programs and permits administered by the DWQ that may be impacted by flooding.

In general, any unpermitted discharges to Waters of the State must be reported to the the DEQ Spills Line: (801) 536-4123.

• Visit the DWQ’s Potential Impacts from Flooding webpage for more information.

U.S. Magnesium, LLC Section 401 Certification Public Comments and Decision

The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) received over seven hundred and fifty (750) public comments related to the Draft Clean Water Act 401 Water Quality Certification prepared for the proposed U.S. Magnesium Canal Continuation Project.

DWQ appreciates the many well informed and detailed comments that provided valuable information for DWQ to consider. Due in part to public input, the Director has determined that he requires the results of a Level II Antidegradation Review in order to make a certifying decision. As such, the Director has denied the above referenced 401 Water Quality Certification request for insufficient information.

The full Letter to U.S. Magnesium, Certification Decision Document, Response to Public Comments Document, and Comment Record can be found on the US Magnesium Canal Continuation Project Section 401 Water Quality Certification Decision page.

Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants (OSG) Program

The DWQ has obtained grant funding for select stormwater projects through the Federal Sewer Overflow & Stormwater Grant Program (OSG). Applicants in financially distressed or rural communities will be prioritized. Projects must be stormwater projects which manage, reduce, treat, or recapture water through the use of green infrastructure. Applications are being accepted November 1, 2022 through 5 P.M. on January 10, 2023.

• Visit the OSG Grant Program for more information and to apply

Proposed Amendments to Utah Administrative Code R317-2, Standards of Quality for Waters of the State

The Utah Water Quality Board has proposed amendments to Utah’s water quality standards. The amendments do the following:

• Clarify the Director’s authority to issue compliance schedules for permitted discharges
• Extend a drinking water use on the Provo River
• Clarify the portions of the Jordan River that site-specific dissolved oxygen criteria apply to
• Update water quality criteria for aluminum
• Extend site-specific ammonia criteria on the Jordan River to additional river segments

Amendments will be published in the November 1, 2022 Utah Bulletin. For more on the proposed amendments, including information regarding a public hearing, supporting documents, and opportunities for public comment, visit DWQ’s proposed rule changes webpage.

Utah Lake Preservation Fund Grant Program

During the 2022 General Session, the Utah Legislature created the $30 million Utah Lake Preservation Fund using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Utah Division of Water Quality is administering a competitive grant program for Utah Lake water quality projects. To be eligible for this funding, proposed projects must be located in the Utah Lake watershed, provide a water quality benefit to Utah Lake, and meet the requirements ARPA.

• Visit the Utah Lake Preservation Fund Grant Program for more information and to apply.

Southern Utah Reuse Grant Program

During the 2022 session, the legislature appropriated $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding appropriations for “wastewater reuse projects in Southern Utah with priority for projects that mitigate the impacts of drought on rural communities and the agricultural sector.” The Water Quality Board has defined that any reuse project located in the Central, Southeastern, and Southwest districts will be considered for funding, excluding any projects that are located in the Great Salt Lake watershed. Grant fund applications must be received by October 17, 2022.

• Visit the Southern Utah Reuse ARPA Grant Program for more information

Utah Inland Port Storm Water Sampling and Analysis Plan

A Sampling and Analysis Plan was prepared by DWQ for the collection of storm water samples required to establish baseline water quality conditions associated with the Utah Inland Port (UIP) and quantify impacts to water quality before, during and following development. This information will help direct the implementation of best management practices and mitigation measures to protect and improve water quality within the UIP area. Visit DEQ’s Inland Port Monitoring page for more information.