- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Toquerville Today
By the People, for the People
Former U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boss Urges Utah Water Users to Avoid Partisan Lens
Camille Touton, who served under President Biden, praised Utah leaders for collaborative work on water issues.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:26pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The former commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation under President Joe Biden, Camille Touton, told a group of Utah water users to avoid looking at water from a red state, blue state lens. Touton had praise for Governor Spencer Cox and Utah leaders for the work they have done on water issues, noting the state worked well with the Bureau of Reclamation during her time in office due to a mutual trust and collaboration.
Why it matters
As the Western United States faces ongoing drought and declining water resources, Touton's message emphasizes the need for water management to be approached in a non-partisan manner. Her comments highlight the importance of state and federal agencies working together to address complex water challenges that transcend political boundaries.
The details
Touton pointed to the Bureau of Reclamation's work with Utah on issues like the Great Salt Lake, the Junesucker, the Strawberry Irrigation District, the Highland Canal, Washington County's water recycling, and the Toquerville Reservoir. She urged Utah residents to get involved in water conservation efforts, suggesting small actions like reducing outdoor watering during heatwaves or improving home efficiency can make a difference.
- Touton served as the commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation under President Joe Biden.
- Touton made her comments to a group of Utah water users on March 31, 2026.
The players
Camille Touton
The former commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation under President Joe Biden.
Spencer Cox
The Governor of Utah, praised by Touton for the state's collaborative work on water issues.
What they’re saying
“It's inherently clear, pointing out that it flows through communities regardless of politics.”
— Camille Touton, Former U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner
“Understand the issue. Where your water comes from, what it means and get engaged. Very small actions. You decide maybe you water less outside during the heat, or maybe you take on some efficiencies in your home. Those add up.”
— Camille Touton, Former U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner
What’s next
The seven states along the Colorado River are still trying to hammer out an agreement to manage the water supply, with the current agreements expiring on October 1. Utah's legislature has started setting aside money in case of potential legal battles over the Colorado River, though Governor Cox hopes to avoid litigation.
The takeaway
Touton's message underscores the need for a collaborative, non-partisan approach to water management in the Western U.S., where declining resources require state and federal agencies to work together effectively, and individual citizens to take conservation actions, regardless of political affiliation.
