Water Conservation

Environmental Mission Statement

Metro Water will actively promote the long-term, sustainable development and wise use of water, energy, and other resources under the stewardship of Metro Water by conserving water and energy, protecting water quality and the watershed, and assuring regulatory and environmental compliance. All actions will take into consideration the relevant goals and activities of the member cities, associated districts, and the state.

Metro Water supports the Environmental Mission Statement's objectives through different activities. To review the activities in 2025, please view here.

Water Supply

Metro Water receives water supply from Little Cottonwood Canyon, Bell Canyon, the Provo River Project, Ontario Drain Tunnel, Little Dell Reservoir, and the Central Utah Project.

A peaceful water facility surrounded by colorful autumn foliage under a clear blue sky.

Through the Provo River Project, Metro Water is a shareholder in the Provo River Water Users Association. The Provo River Project includes the Salt Lake Aqueduct, Deer Creek Dam, Provo River Aqueduct, and the Tranbasin Diversions.

A river flowing over a dam with surrounding hills and blue sky, showcasing natural scenery and water management infrastructure.

The Central Utah Project includes Jordanelle Reservoir, Jordan Aqueduct, and the Jordan Valley Water Treatment Plant.

A scenic view featuring a lake bordered by rolling hills and a clear blue sky, with a dam in the foreground.

Most of the water treated by the Little Cottonwood Water Treatment Plant and the Point of the Mountain Water Treatment Plant comes from Deer Creek Reservoir. When the reservoir is full, it contains 152,564 acre-feet of water. Of this amount, 61,900 acre-feet belongs to Metro Water in a normal water year.

A serene lake surrounded by rolling hills and a construction site with a crane along the shore, under a clear blue sky.

Conservation Programs

Metro Water places value in being long-term stewards of water, infrastructure, and the environment. To support our vision, we offer the following initiatives:

Water Check Program: free irrigation audits for Salt Lake City and Sandy City residents that evaluate sprinkler efficiency and provide recommendations.
Slow the Flow: provides educational resources and financial incentives for residents who upgrade irrigation.
Utah Water Ways: promotes the proper use of water and educates citizens and businesses alike about efficient water use in the state, in an effort to meet the State’s water conservation goals.

Watershed Protection & Educational Programs

Metro Water serves on the Central Wasatch Commission. The CWC promotes the long-term protection of the Central Wasatch Mountains through collaboration and effort between elected officials, stakeholders, and the public. They provide resources, like the Central Wasatch Dashboard, and carry out projects initiated during the Mountain Accord process.

Demonstration Gardens

Demonstration Gardens are valuable resources in providing landscapers and homeowners with water-wise ideas for their gardens.

Sego Lily Gardens, owned by Sandy City, is located at 1472 East Sego Lily Drive (10200 South). The Garden has more than 1,100 plant species on display, and staff members are on hand to answer questions about irrigation systems, zoning, and landscaping. The Gardens are open seven days a week from spring through fall. For more information about Sego Lily Gardens, call 801-568-6087.

A scenic garden path lined with trees, flowering plants, and a clear blue sky, creating a tranquil outdoor space.

Greater Avenues Garden, owned by Salt Lake City, is the newest conservation garden in the valley. It is located at the intersection of Terrace Hills and 11th Avenue. This garden demonstrates water-wise landscapes and shows that with a little planning and preparation, we can grow beautiful gardens and use less water.