About the Division of Water Quality

At the Division of Water Quality (DWQ), we work to protect, maintain, and enhance the quality of Utah’s surface and groundwater. This work is essential for protecting public health, preserving aquatic ecosystems, and ensuring that Utah’s waters are safe for a wide range of beneficial uses, from drinking water to recreation.

Our mission

“To conserve the waters of the state and to protect, maintain and improve the quality thereof for public water supplies, for the propagation of wildlife, fish and aquatic life, and for domestic, agricultural, industrial, recreational and other legitimate beneficial uses; to provide that no waste be discharged into any waters of the state without first being given the degree of treatment necessary to protect the legitimate beneficial uses of such waters; to provide for the prevention, abatement and control of new or existing water pollution; to place first in priority those control measures directed toward elimination of pollution which creates hazards to the public health; to insure due consideration of financial problems imposed on water polluters through pursuit of these objectives; and to cooperate with other agencies of the state, agencies of other states and the federal government in carrying out these objectives.”

• Utah Administrative Rule R317-2-1A

What we do

• Monitor and assess: We regularly monitor the health of Utah’s lakes, rivers, and streams to assess their condition and identify sources of pollution.
• Set water quality standards: We develop and implement science-based standards to protect Utah’s waters from pollution.
• Issue permits: We issue permits to facilities to control the discharge of pollutants into Utah’s waters, protecting both surface water and groundwater.
• Provide financial assistance: We administer loans and grants for projects that improve water quality, including upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities and projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution.
• Protect watersheds: We develop and implement watershed protection plans to restore impaired waters and protect healthy ones.
• Ensure compliance: We inspect facilities and enforce water quality regulations to ensure they are being met.

Our leadership and governance

The Division of Water Quality provides staff support to and implements the rules adopted by the Water Quality Board.

Contact us

• To report a spill, release, or other environmental emergency, such as an illicit discharge into a river or lake, use the DEQ-wide reporting system.
  • Report an environmental incident 
• For specific program or staff questions, see our complete directory on the main divisional contacts page.
  
  • See all Division of Water Quality Contacts 
• For rural or local issues, such as questions about wastewater systems, permitting, or water quality complaints, your best first contact may be one of our District Engineers.
  • Find your District Engineer 

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

How do I report a spill or something that might be polluting a river or lake?

All environmental emergencies, including spills into waterways, should be reported through the central DEQ Environmental Incident reporting page.

What are “nonpoint sources” of pollution?

Nonpoint source pollution comes from diffuse sources. It is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground, picking up natural and human-made pollutants and depositing them into lakes, rivers, and groundwater.