Utah Demand Management Program

CONSERVATION WITH A PURPOSE

Utah is committed to building drought resilience for Utah water users and securing strategic investments to support agricultural production while reducing demand. At the same time, Utah continues to work collaboratively with neighboring states to address unprecedented water shortages across the Colorado River Basin. This includes protecting critical water infrastructure at key Upper Division storage reservoirs.

Utah is continuing its Demand Management Program (DMP) as authorized by the 5-year management plan. The Colorado River Authority of Utah (Authority) implemented the pilot DMP in 2025, funded by a $5 million state appropriation. The program is designed to focus on voluntary, market-based mechanisms for conserving water in the Upper Colorado River Basin. The program compensates water users who contribute water to the program by reducing their demand. An administrative grant agreement between the Upper Colorado River Commission and the Bureau of Reclamation provides for the distribution of $100 million in federal appropriations to the Upper Division States of Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico.

Water users with a history of beneficial consumptive water use in Utah can apply for compensation for specific conservation projects such as temporarily resting crop land, storage forbearance, irrigation system improvements or other innovative ways to reduce demand which may include municipal and industrial water users.

INFORMATION SESSIONS

DATE	TIME	LOCATION	ADDRESS
Aug, 25	1:00 - 2:00 PM	Emery Water Conservancy District	50 S 100 E, Castle Dale
Aug. 25	6:00 - 7:00 PM	Department of Natural Resources	319 N Carbonville Road, Price
Aug. 27	6:00 - 7:00 PM	Duchesne Water Conservancy District	275 N 800 E, Roosevelt
Sept. 1	10:30 - 11:30 AM	Green River City Hall	460 E Main Street, Green River
Sept. 2	6:00 - 7:00 PM	Department of Natural Resources	318 N Vernal Avenue, Vernal
Sept. 3	4:00 - 5:00 PM	Central Utah Water Conservancy District	766 N Center, Duchesne
Sept. 22	6:00 - 7:00	Virtual Webinar	NA

Project Objectives

The program operates under Utah Code 73-3-30(4) to achieve three key objectives:

Protect Utah’s Right to Use Water from the Colorado River System
Build Resilience to Drought
Establish Credit for Utah Water Users

FAQ's

The Utah Demand Management Program (DMP) is a water conservation initiative implemented by the Colorado River Authority of Utah (Authority). Water users with a history of beneficial water use in the Upper Colorado River Basin in Utah can apply for compensation for specific conservation projects such as temporarily resting crop land, forbearing the use of stored water, or implementing irrigation system improvements. The program also allows for other innovative water savings that may be realized by municipal or industrial water users in Utah.

Water users who own water shares, not water rights, must have permission from, and closely coordinate with, their irrigation/water company to file a water right change application or dedicated water application. Requirements will vary by company. An agreement between the Authority and your irrigation company is required to participate.
Any water user with a history of beneficial, consumptive water use from the Colorado River or any of its tributaries in Utah may participate.

Contact

Program Manager: Amanda Daniels | (801) 824-9037 | [email protected]

Email Amanda to be added to our email list to receive program updates.