Division of Water Quality

Triennial Review – Water Quality

The 2026 review

The Utah Division of Water Quality reviews state water standards every three years, as required by the Clean Water Act and the Utah Water Quality Act. The 2026 Triennial Review is now open for public comment.

  • Stakeholders and the public are invited to review Utah’s current water quality standards (R317-2) and share feedback on what our priorities should be or how we can improve our water quality standards.
  • This review is for gathering feedback, not formal rulemaking; your input will guide our future proposals.
  • Any proposed amendments resulting from the Triennial Review will follow appropriate rulemaking processes, including additional opportunities for public comment.
Read priorities list
(opens in a new tab)

Get involved

Public comments

Public comments will be accepted until 6 PM August 7, 2026.

Include rationale for the recommendation, and supporting information.

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mail: Jake Vander Laan, Utah Division of Water Quality, P.O. Box 144870, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4870.

Public hearing

A public hearing to receive comments will be held on August 6, 2026, 6:00 PM (Time zone:
America/Denver)

Read full public notice
(opens in a new tab)

Triennial Review background

To meet obligations under the Clean Water Act and Utah Water Quality Act, we are required to review Utah’s Water Quality Standards at least once every three years. The Triennial Review process includes a comprehensive review of all of Utah’s water quality standards policies and criteria, including a comparison of the state’s water quality standards to nationally recommended standards to identify and prioritize needed additions and updates. The review also includes a collaborative engagement process with stakeholders, partner state and federal agencies, and the public to identify any additional recommended changes to Utah’s water quality standards. Any revisions to the standards must be adopted by the Water Quality Board and approved by EPA as part of the rulemaking process. The rulemaking process includes additional opportunities for public comment.

Standards changes are not limited to the Triennial Review and suggested changes can be submitted at any time. Recommendations should be made in writing and include the proposed revision and rationale for the change. Recommendations should be sent to:

Jake Vander Laan ([email protected])
Utah Division of Water Quality
P.O. Box 144870
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870

Questions

Jake Vander Laan ([email protected]), (385) 466-1039.

Previous reviews