Washington County Water Conservancy District

Adopts Large Water User Policy

St. George, UT — The Washington County Water Conservancy District Board of Trustees approved a new policy establishing rules and regulations for large commercial, industrial and institutional (CII) water users. The policy is designed to safeguard the county’s limited water resources, protect existing customers and support responsible future development.

Under the new policy, any CII facility projected to use nine million gallons or more per year must be reviewed by the district’s Administration Advisory Committee (AAC). In the communities of Toquerville, Virgin and La Verkin, the threshold is five million gallons per year. The 16-member AAC is comprised of two voting members, the mayor and city manager, from each of the eight municipal partners of the district.

Washington County relies entirely on the Virgin River Basin for its water supply. The district’s new policy addresses concerns that new large or highly consumptive water users could disrupt the region’s long-term water resource strategy. 

“The largest one percent of CII customers account for almost half of the water use in those sectors,” said Zach Renstrom, general manager for the district. “This policy ensures new development with extraordinary water demands doesn’t compromise supply reliability for our community.”

The policy allows the AAC to approve the connection based upon positive findings in three criteria: 1) the project serves a critical public interest (such as providing a necessary or beneficial service to the region’s citizens); 2) the applicant will utilize aggressive water efficiency measures, and 3) the project will increase the economic productivity of water use in the region. Approval requires a two-thirds majority of the committee.

“These eight cities share the same water supply. This policy ensures a single community cannot approve a large water user without review and consensus of the broader community,” Renstrom said. “The policy promotes continued smart growth and is a great example of cities and policy makers working their neighboring cities.”

Examples of project types likely to be subject to the policy could include data centers, golf courses and bottling plants.

“This policy reinforces the district’s role as a steward of public resources,” Renstrom said. “It provides a clear framework for evaluating large water demands while still allowing projects that serve the broader public good.”

About Washington County Water Conservancy District   

The Washington County Water Conservancy District is a not-for-profit public agency that oversees water resources in Washington County, UT. Visit wcwcd.gov for more information.       

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