Tooele City Requires Water Rights for New Developments

City Council approves amendments to code to ensure sufficient water supply for growth

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:57pm

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A serene painting of a solitary water tower standing in a desert landscape, the structure bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the importance of managing scarce water resources.Tooele City's new water rights requirements aim to safeguard the community's limited water supply as development continues in the desert region.Tooele Today

The Tooele City Council has approved amendments to the city code that require builders to convey water rights to the city as part of any new land use approval. The goal is to give the city more discretion in evaluating the quantity, flow rate, and reliability of the water rights to ensure a sustainable water supply as development continues in the area.

Why it matters

As a desert region facing ongoing drought conditions, Tooele City is proactively taking steps to manage its limited water resources. The new code amendments allow the city to be more selective about the water rights it accepts from developers, helping to safeguard the community's long-term water security.

The details

The proposed amendments were unanimously recommended by the Tooele City Planning Commission after a public hearing. The changes allow the city to refuse water rights that are deemed insufficient in quantity or flow rate, not likely to be approved for municipal use, or not associated with a developed or developable water source. City Engineer Paul Hansen explained the goal is to ensure the city accepts only viable and sustainable water rights as development continues.

  • The Tooele City Council approved the amendments during its April 1, 2026 meeting.
  • The Planning Commission had previously reviewed the proposed changes and issued a favorable recommendation on March 25, 2026.

The players

Tooele City Council

The governing body of Tooele, Utah that unanimously approved the amendments to the city code.

Paul Hansen

The Tooele City Engineer who explained the rationale behind the proposed code changes.

Tooele City Planning Commission

The advisory board that reviewed the amendments and issued a unanimous recommendation for the City Council to approve them.

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What they’re saying

“The proposed amendment does not change the conveyance requirement but allows the city more discretion in evaluating those water rights.”

— Paul Hansen, Tooele City Engineer

“I had watched the presentation during the city council meeting and stated it was straightforward but also expressed that the proposal protects the city.”

— Jon Proctor, Planning Commissioner

What’s next

The new water rights requirements will go into effect immediately for all new development projects seeking approval in Tooele City.

The takeaway

Tooele City's proactive approach to managing its limited water resources through stricter water rights requirements for new construction demonstrates the community's commitment to long-term sustainability in the face of ongoing drought conditions.