Our data is the foundation. Tracking landscape transitions, water use trends, and program outcomes so conservation efforts are grounded in what actually works.
Turning information into action
Utah Water Ways is in the early stages of building a research and data program designed to better understand how water is used across the state and how those patterns can change over time. Our focus is straightforward: collect and translate Utah-specific data in ways that help communities, partners, and policymakers make more informed decisions that support long-term reductions in per capita water use.
What We’re Building
We are beginning to assemble and analyze data that provides a clearer picture of water use across regions and over time:
- Collecting historical and current water use data to understand trends and identify opportunities for conservation
- Tracking outcomes from landscape transitions and monitoring how shifting from traditional turf to water-wise landscaping impacts water use
- Creating and organizing data into accessible dashboards and tools that make information easier to interpret and apply
How It’s Used
As this work develops, it is intended to support more informed decision-making across Utah’s water landscape:
- Providing insights that help policymakers evaluate programs, incentives, and strategies, including those connected to the Great Salt Lake
- Supporting cities, water providers, and partners in understanding what is working and where to focus efforts
- Contributing to a more consistent, shared understanding of water use across regions
- Creating a feedback loop between data, programs, and policy where insights help refine conservation efforts, and real-world outcomes improve future decision-making
Why It Matters
Good decisions depend on trusted, relevant information, but water data can often feel fragmented or difficult to interpret. As this program grows, it will help connect data to real-world outcomes ensuring that conservation efforts across Utah are not only well-intended, but effective.
This effort is grounded in a few core principles:
- Clarity over complexity
- Utah-specific data over generic assumptions
- Actionable insights over static reports
Over time, this work is intended to help align efforts across Utah and ensure that programs, policies, and investments are working together toward a shared goal: sustained reductions in per capita water use and long-term support for the Great Salt Lake.
How Our Programs Work Together
Utah Water Ways operates as a statewide convener and connector, bringing together education, outreach, on-the-ground implementation, and data to ensure efforts are aligned and reinforcing.
- Slow the Flow creates consistent, trusted messaging
- Education builds long-term water literacy Landscape demonstrations show what’s possible in practice
- Research & data helps measure impact and guide decisions
Together, these efforts are designed to scale what works, reduce duplication, and drive meaningful, measurable reductions in water use across Utah.
