UT HB0076

Large data centers (facilities 10,000+ square feet withdrawing 75+ acre-feet of water annually) must report estimated water consumption to the Division of Water Rights at least 90 days before beginning construction, and must notify local water providers of anticipated water needs.

Operators of new large data centers beginning operations on or after July 1, 2026 must submit annual reports by July 1 detailing actual water withdrawals, water reduction efforts, and environmental protection measures for the previous calendar year.

Land use authorities must notify the Division of Water Rights, Division of Water Quality, and relevant water providers before approving land use applications for new large data centers.

The Division of Water Rights must publish individual data center water withdrawal data on its public website by September 1 annually, while certain proprietary information (discharge plans, water reuse activities) may be protected from disclosure.

Operators who fail to submit required reports face fines of up to $100 per day of non-compliance after receiving notice from the division, with collected fines deposited into the General Fund.