Utah Division of Water Quality

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.

Draft 2024 Integrated Report 303(d) Assessment Methods available for public comment

The Integrated Report (IR) provides information on the quality of surface waters in the state and identifies waterbodies that are not supporting their designated beneficial uses. The 303(d) Assessment Methods establish the process for identifying waterbodies that are not meeting water quality standards. The Draft 2024 Integrated Report 303(d) Assessment Methods are available for public comment from October 24th to December 8, 2022. Visit the Draft 2024 Integrated Report to review the draft assessment methods and submit comments.

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.