Water Transactions

The Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust was created to help sustain Great Salt Lake and its wetlands, and improve water quantity and quality for the lake. Voluntary water transactions are an important tool in helping retain existing flows and distributing new water flows to the lake. Individual water transactions are evaluated with threshold criteria as well as contributions to broader public benefits, including habitat connections, community benefits, and expanding key partnerships.

Many water users whether, municipal, industrial or agricultural play an important role in the shared goal of preserving Great Salt Lake and its wetlands while balancing other needs. For example, agricultural return flows can provide vital flows for wildlife habitat. Whether through innovative arrangements such as split-season leasing or supporting on-farm or irrigation companies or other infrastructure improvements to reduce water consumption that can reduce water consumption, we are excited for more partnerships with producers throughout the watershed. 

• Validity and viability of the water right
   Is there proof of ownership for the water and proof that the water is currently being used or has it been placed in official non-use status?

• Ease of distributing water to the lake
   Is there a reliable pathway to move the water to the Lake?"

• Ability to monitor associated water flows
   Can we measure the water getting to the lake?

• Cost effectiveness of transaction
   Is the water pricing within fair market observed prices and does it allow the Trust to maximize its resources?

• Likelihood of repeatability or scaling of the opportunity
   Could the transaction lead to future  transactions?

• Durability of water flows associated with the water right or water share
  Is there evidence that the water right holder/shareholder gets the full or substantial amount of face value each year? How quickly is the water cut off in drought years?

Threshold Criteria focuses on:

• Establishes successful partnerships for future transactions or water management

• Ability to repeat or scale transaction in the future

• Leverages matching funds or in-kind contributions

• Integrates with local programs or builds coordination

• Delivers water to priority habitats

• Multiple benefits for communities and wildlife

Other desirable criteria can include:

More details on transaction criteria can be found here →

* Note – Flexibility in the evaluation criteria is important to ensure the ability to not exclude unique or creative options.

Inquiry Form

*all inquiries are confidential