Securing Utah’s Water

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In Utah, water isn't just a resource; it’s a property right. 

For over a century, outdated laws and constitutional loopholes have left tens of thousands of Utahns in a "legal gray area" regarding their access to water. Robinson has been a key architect in modernizing these laws, ensuring that whether you live inside or outside city limits, your right to clean, reliable water is protected by the Utah Constitution.

I. The Constitutional Fix: Amendment D (2020)

Before 2020, the Utah Constitution prohibited cities from selling water outside their municipal boundaries. This put residents in unincorporated areas and neighboring towns at risk of losing their water supply.

The Robinson Effort: Dave worked directly with key individuals, the State Engineer, legislative leadership (including the sponsorship of SJR1), and many others to champion a permanent constitutional solution.

The Result: Dave’s advocacy helped secure the landslide passage of Amendment D, with over 80% voter support. This historic amendment finally authorized cities to legally provide water services to residents outside their borders, providing permanent legal certainty for billions of dollars in Utah real estate.

II. Extraterritorial Jurisdiction: Protecting the Source

As Utah grows, protecting our "source water" (wells, springs, and streams) from contamination is critical. Dave was a key advisor on the legislative efforts (including SB17) to modernize "extraterritorial jurisdiction."

Balanced Regulation: Dave fought for a common-sense approach that allows cities to protect their water sources from pollution without overstepping and infringing on neighboring counties' rights.

III. Retail Water Reform: Fairness for the End-User

Dave has been a determined advocate for Retail Water Reform (including the "Trio of Water Bills": HB124, HB143, and SJR1). 

Ending "Water Hostage" Situations: Dave pushed for laws that require municipalities to provide water service to all customers within their designated service areas fairly and at reasonable rates.

- Transparency in Rates: Dave advocated for "Retail Water" transparency, ensuring that cities must treat its customers fairly, both inside and outside the city limits. 

The Robinson Record

61% Voter Approval: Helped shepherd the constitutional amendment that secured permanent water for tens of thousands.
Billion-Dollar Impact: Stabilized the property values of homes across the Wasatch Front by securing their most vital utility.

"Water should never be a political weapon. By fixing our Constitution and modernizing our retail water laws, we’ve taken the politics out of the tap and put the security back in the hands of Utah homeowners." — Dave Robinson