Water
The Water Division promotes public health and welfare by providing safe, clean drinking water. As water is essential, we enhance quality of life by providing a high-quality water supply to residents and businesses. All City of South Salt Lake water complies with federal, state, and local water quality regulations.
What We Do
The Water Division provides culinary drinking water for the City from 2100 South to 3300 South, and is responsible for maintaining City wells, infrastructure, and hydrants. Water supplies are monitored 24-hours a day to ensure drinkability and the safety of our community. The water supply is treated and regularly sampled and tested to ensure regulations are met and/or exceeded.
The majority of the City's water infrastructure was installed in the 1940s to 1950s. The Water Division team works daily to manage and maintain the water supply and ensure it flows to your tap. The City's water system includes nearly 3,500 connections and 550 hydrants. All connections have been converted to electronic meters to ensure accuracy and real-time monitoring. The Water Division conducts routine maintenance to upgrade our aging system and repairs as the need arises.
Water is Limited
In Utah’s arid desert climate, water is a precious resource that should never be taken for granted. South Salt Lake has internal and external challenges to protecting and conserving our water: climate change, extreme weather fluctuations, and a burgeoning population. To help conserve our water, we must all be good stewards.
Ways to save water indoors:
- Check all faucets, pipes, and toilets for leaks often.
- Install water-saving showerheads and high-efficiency toilets.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving and try reducing your time showering.
- Defrost food in the refrigerator instead of water.
- Start a compost pile instead of throwing food down the disposal.
- Rinse dishes and/or vegetables in a full sink or pan of water, instead of under the faucet.
- Fully load your washing machine and/or dishwasher before running.
Way to save water outdoors:
- Prioritize your landscape watering and don't over water.
- Water your landscape early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Adjust sprinklers so that they don't water the sidewalk or street and perform annual maintenance to fix busted or broken sprinkler heads.
- Don't water on cool, rainy, or windy days.
- Use drop irrigation systems!!
- Plant drought-tolerant or low-water use plants and grasses.
- Mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and discourage weeds.
- Equip all hoses with shut-off nozzles.
- Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation.
- Use a bucket instead of a hose to watch your car.
Fees
Refer to the Utility Billing page for Water Billing current rate sheet.
Landscape Rebates
Did you know that approximately half of Utah's municipal water is used for landscapes? That's a lot of water! Utah Water Savers is helping property owners become more water efficient with landscape incentive programs throughout the state.
Get paid to replace your grass with water-efficient landscaping. Earn a cash incentive when you upgrade your thirsty lawn to water-wise plants, trees, and shrubs. Learn more at Utah Water Savers.
Resources
- Jordan Valley Water Conservation District - The Conservation Garden Park is a public resource water-wise landscapes examples and ideas, classes, and more.
- Localscapes - Landscaping for Utah’s unique climate.
- Slow the Flow - Programs to reduce water waste, lawn watering guides, and rebates. Free lawn water check program to get accurate run times for your lawn.
- Utah State University - Water-wise plants for Utah landscapes.
Have a say in the future of South Salt Lake's water rates.
The City of South Salt Lake is conducting a comprehensive rate study to ensure fair and sustainable rates for essential services that impact our community. Your input and participation are vital to helping shape the rates and ensure they align with the needs and priorities of our residents and businesses.
What is a rate study? A rate study is a thorough evaluation of the fees charged for essential services, such as water, sewer, trash, and other utilities. It helps determine the appropriate rates that cover operational costs, maintenance, and future improvements while considering the impact on the community.
Why should you participate?
By participating in the rate study, you can:
- Influence decision-making: Your input directly impacts the rates and policies established by the city.
- Ensure fairness: Help create rates that are equitable and reflect the diverse needs of our community.
- Voice concerns: Share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas about the rate structure and potential impacts.
- Shape the future: Contribute to building a sustainable and thriving South Salt Lake.
- Community Outreach: Keep an eye out for community outreach events, workshops, and focus groups where you can engage in discussions with city representatives and fellow community members.
Additional Information
The rate study is currently being conducted and Public Works will keep you informed with the latest information on this page.
Project Updates
200 E Water Line Update (8/24/2023): The water tests have been completed and passed all requirements. The service line is currently being connected, with residential connections to follow. When all new connections have been completed, the road will be repaved and painted.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the SSL Water Department.
- How do I report a problem?
-
If you are experiencing or have observed a problem with water from 2100 to 3300 South, contact the SSL Water Division by calling 801-483-6014. After hours call dispatch at 801-840-4000. For concerns south of 3300 South contact Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District by calling 801-256-4401.
- Who supplies my water?
-
The Salt Lake Valley has many water service providers. Reference this map for assistance finding your water provider. Salt Lake Valley Water District Map
- How do I sign up for water service?
-
Our Utility Billing division can assist with South Salt Lake Water. For service south of 3300 South, visit Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District or call 801-565-4300.
- How do I pay my water bill?
-
To pay your South Salt Lake Water bill contact Utility Billing.
- Why does the City flush Fire Hydrants?
-
Hydrant flushing is a practice used to clean pipes of sediment. It also ensures that hydrants are in working order in the event of an emergency. Performing this task citywide assists in maintaining and supplying clean water to all utility users. This is a manual task done by city employees. While we try to complete this during the late evening hours, some low water pressure may be experienced during daytime hours.
- Is my water safe to drink?
-
Yes! The City regularly samples water citywide and our wells are monitored 24/7 to ensure the safety and quality of our drinking water. As our drinking water supply comes from groundwater, at times color and smell can vary. In the event of a main break or pipe replacement, air can be introduced to the system causing ‘fizzy water’. Running your tap will resolve this issue. Our water team works hard to quickly resolve any concerns or disruptions to service.
- What is Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention?
-
Cross Connection
A Cross Connection is a physical connection (piping configuration) between the public drinking water system and anything else, including another water supply, that can allow pollutants or contaminants to backflow into the public water system.
Backflow Prevention
Backflow occurs when a reverse flow of contaminated water or other substances from a customer's water system flows back into the public drinking water system. Not only is it the law to install backflow prevention mechanisms, it's important to make sure we protect our drinking water.
A backflow incident can seriously affect the quality and safety of our drinking water supply. Common examples of possible cross connections include landscape sprinkler systems, hose attachments for utility sinks, and garden hoses used for pools or other chemical contact purposes. Backflow prevention assemblies provide the public water system with protection against contamination or pollution. Learn how to help prevent cross connection with proper connection assemblies.
-
Jason Taylor
Water Division ManagerPhone: 801-483-6014
-
Water
Physical Address
195 W Oakland Avenue
South Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Phone 801-483-6014Fax 801-483-6030
Hours
Monday through Friday
7:30 am to 4 pmAfter Hours Emergency Phone: 801-840-4000