Water Management Means Wiser Water Use
The objective of the Water Management Improvement Studies is to formulate a comprehensive program to improve water management and water efficiency throughout the CUP. The program will benefit Utah by:
Encouraging the conservation and wise use of water.
Extending the existing water supply.
Deferring or avoiding costs associated with the development of new water supplies.
Providing supplemental water supplies to support fish, wildlife recreation and other public benefits.
Four programs are under way:
The Water management Improvement study will enable the District to develop a comprehensive water-management plan;
The Water Pricing Policy study evaluates pricing methods and the relationship to conservation;
the Coordinated Operations Study identifies cost-effective operation procedures for municipal, industrial, and irrigation systems; and
the Utah Water Conservation Advisory Board recommends conservation standards and regulations for state and local authorities.
Ute Indian Tribe Compensation
More than $200 million was authorized by the Act to compensate the Ute Indian Tribe for water being transported from the Uinta Basin to the Bonneville Basin. This compensation replaces projects that would have developed water for use by the tribe.
Funding for improvements of streams, reservoirs and recreation facilities and for building a municipal water-conveyance system on Ute Indian lands is provided for by the Completion Act.
Public Involvement
A significant difference between the original Central Utah Project and the Completion Act is the call for public involvement. No Completion Act project is undertaken by the Central Utah Water Conservancy District without input from a cross-section of parties interested in the future of Utah's water and environment.
The new management concepts of the CUP include representation from these parties. It establishes a broad-based coalition that will continue to shape the destiny of Utah's water growth. Groups involved include: Irrigation companies, sports associations, municipalities, fish and wildlife organizations, industry, manufacturing and mining organizations, environmental groups, water petitioners, recreational interests, fisheries groups, agricultural organizations, water associations, homebuilder's agencies, the oil industry and state, local, and federal agencies.
The guiding principle of the Central Utah Water Conservancy District is based on public participation. The District urges every Utahn to make suggestions and ask questions as Utah's future is at stake. Notices of
public meetings will be mailed when requested, and videotapes and printed materials on the CUP and Completion Act are available at the District office.