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Bill Summary · SB 46

Legislative bill overview

SB 46 amends Utah's water-wise landscaping requirements to encourage or mandate drought-resistant plant materials and reduced irrigation in residential and commercial landscapes. The bill has progressed through initial house committee review with a favorable recommendation as of February 2026.

Why is this important

Utah faces chronic water scarcity, with the Colorado River experiencing historic drought conditions that affect the state's long-term water supply. Landscaping accounts for 40-60% of residential water use in arid western states, making landscape water efficiency a significant lever for conservation at scale.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights and aesthetic concerns: Homeowners may resist mandatory restrictions on lawn sizes or plant choices, viewing landscaping decisions as personal property matters rather than public conservation issues
  • Implementation and compliance costs: Retrofitting existing landscapes or incentivizing new construction compliance could impose financial burdens on property owners, with questions about who bears transition costs
  • Definition clarity: "Water-wise" plants and specific irrigation standards may be vaguely defined, creating enforcement ambiguity and potential disputes between property owners and local authorities over compliance

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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