Introduction

The Council is reviewing a proposal from the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake City & Sandy (the District). The proposal allows the District to raise its part of property taxes to keep up critical water infrastructure that treats and delivers water to residents.  

Background

The Salt Lake Valley faced a severe drought in 1935, which led to the creation of the District. Its primary objective was to manage and treat water from different sources within and outside the valley. The District is responsible for crucial projects like the Salt Lake Aqueduct, which requires maintenance after being used for over 70 years. 

The Council’s role in the District includes reviewing the budget; however, it does not formally adopt it. The Council also appoints five of the District’s seven-member Board of Trustees. 

Proposed Tax Increase

The District proposes increasing property taxes from 0.0002 to 0.00035 to pay for infrastructure upgrades and expansion. The District estimates the increase would generate over $8.6 million between Salt Lake City and Sandy. The funding would be used to continue treating and delivering water customers depend on.  

If approved, residents could expect an approximate $49.00 per year increase, based on a home valued at $596,000, the average in Salt Lake City.  

For additional details and information, please refer to the Project Resources below. 

Why increase property taxes? Can’t the necessary revenue come from water rates? 

The District generates its primary revenue from water sales, property taxes, and other sources. While increasing water rates may seem straightforward, it could impact families relying on a fixed budget.  

Additionally, while higher water rates could encourage water conservation, critical infrastructure upgrades are still needed no matter how much water residents use.