This bill allows state agencies to develop a fee schedule for water consumption.
This bill:
- defines terms;
- requires the Department of Environmental Quality (department) to establish a fee schedule;
- allows the Water Development Coordinating Council (state council) to establish a fee schedule beginning on July 1, 2026, subject to approval by the Legislature;
- exempts a special district from certain fee requirements to pay the fees established by the department and state council;
- outlines requirements related to the fee schedules;
- allows the department to establish a financial incentive to comply with certain criteria;
- provides for the collection of fees by the department and, pending approval by the Legislature, the collection of fees by the state council;
- creates an exemption for a wholesale water supplier and agricultural water from the fees;
- provides for the deposit of fees into the Water Infrastructure Fund less the department's costs;
- requires the department and state council to report on the fee schedule to the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee;
- requires monitoring of fees; and
- makes technical and conforming changes.

Statutes affected:
Substitute #1: 63I-2-219
Substitute #2: 17B-1-121, 17B-1-643, 63I-2-219, 63I-2-273
Enrolled: 17B-1-121, 17B-1-643, 63I-2-219, 63I-2-273
Substitute #3: 17B-1-121, 17B-1-643, 63I-2-219, 63I-2-273