Securing Utah’s Water
The Vision: Water Security for Every Homeowner In Utah
Water isn't just a resource; it’s a property right. For over a century, outdated laws and constitutional loopholes left tens of thousands of Utahns in a "legal gray area" regarding their water access. Dave 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 Governor Gary Herbert, the State Engineer, and legislative leadership (including the sponsorship of SJR1) to champion a permanent constitutional solution.
The Result: Dave’s advocacy helped lead to 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 the rights of private landowners in the canyons.
The Goal: Ensuring our drinking water remains the cleanest in the country by creating clear, enforceable protections for the entire watershed.
III. Retail Water Reform: Fairness for the End-User
Dave has been a tireless advocate for Retail Water Reform (including the "Trio of Water Bills": HB124, HB143, and SJR1). His focus has always been on the "Retail" end—the families and businesses who pay the bills.
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 cannot use water rates as a hidden tax or a weapon to control development in neighboring areas.
The Robinson Record
80% Voter Approval: Helped shepherd the constitutional amendment that secured water for tens of thousands.
Constitutional Modernization: Instrumental in rewriting Article XI, Section 6 of the Utah Constitution.
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
