Utah’s Washington County, facing its driest winter since 1895, currently lacks local drought emergency response plans, prompting water managers and elected officials to prioritize drafting a comprehensive strategy. With around 95% of the county experiencing “extreme drought,” there is an urgent need for an aligned approach among the eight cities in the region. Doug Bennett, the district’s water conservation manager, is leading efforts to create a unified drought contingency plan that outlines five stages of drought response, though there’s been no consensus on specific restrictions for each stage.
Efforts are ongoing to gather feedback from stakeholders, with a recent survey indicating that about 60% of respondents agree on the necessity for cohesion among cities in drought responses and express concerns about potential economic repercussions of strict measures. Opinions vary on how to implement water restrictions—particularly regarding golf courses, with some advocating for equality in restrictions while others suggest flexibility for recreational areas.
Bennett aims to finalize the plan by April, which would then require approval from member cities. Despite potential reluctance from cities to surrender local authorities, there is an optimistic tone among leaders like Ivins Mayor Chris Hart and St. George’s Director of Water Services Scott Taylor, who believe that cooperative efforts from past water conservation initiatives bode well for the success of a unified drought plan.
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