Project Supporters

“Permanently drying up farms is not the solution to meeting southern Utah’s water needs. We must balance the need to grow and raise food with our water demands. The Lake Powell Pipeline brings a new source of water to southern Utah while preserving the water rights of farmers.”

“The LPP project provides diversity and reliability by introducing a new and more secure water source to Southern Utah. Conservation alone would require Washington County be solely dependent on the Virgin River watershed and fails to address the vulnerabilities in the face of prolonged drought and climate change that come with dependence on a single-source system. As a small desert tributary to the Colorado River, the Virgin River is even more susceptible to climate change and drought than the larger river.”

“Alternatives to the LPP were studied as part of the FERC license application. The option of using Virgin River water and wastewater effluent – treated by reverse osmosis (an expensive process that removes salts) – and eliminating residential outdoor watering with potable (treated) water, was estimated to cost far more than the LPP.”

“Utah is serious about the drought. We are ramping up conservation and asking everyone to use less water. We must also wisely use the Colorado River water available to our state and that makes the Lake Powell Pipeline a priority. Our state needs that water for the fastest growing region in Utah.”

“The LPP is critical to support the growing population and businesses of our region…. Water is a direct input into several critical industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and utilities. A threat to any of these key industries, among others, becomes a threat to the rest of the economy.”

“Multiple generations of my family have been in Washington County since the days Brigham Young called them to settle in St. George and Pine Valley… As a father, I hope that my own three children will be able to choose to live in this community and raise their children here. The Lake Powell Pipeline will ensure that next generations will have the same opportunities afforded to me.”

“The LPP will enhance the reliability of southern Utah’s water system as well as greatly diversify the water supply.”

“Washington County’s desirability as a place to live, work and play is rooted in planning. Our current and former leaders proactively plan for our expanding economy and growing population to preserve our well-established high quality of life. Water is the top priority in planning. Everything depends on a safe, reliable water supply and for that reason we unitedly support the Lake Powell Pipeline.”

“In the area of water infrastructure, we are at a point in time where public and private stakeholders need to “give full measure” to ensure that southwestern Utah has the water resources to support its projected growth. By developing the Lake Powell Pipeline, we are securing the future of Washington County and building a better Utah.”

“Unlike some other areas, we have looked ahead and developed a comprehensive water plan. The LPP is a part of this comprehensive plan. We aren’t waiting for a crisis. Our water providers know the time to start planning a water project is not when you need it, but years if not decades in advance.”

“Without additional water infrastructure and planning our children may not be able to enjoy the natural beauty and economic opportunity provided to current residents.”

“The history of SkyWest Airlines is emblematic of a small business growing into a large enterprise along with the successful development and growth of a vibrant region of Utah and the West… The LPP is critically important to support businesses like ours. Water sustains life and jobs in Utah.”

“Utah is fortunate to have additional Colorado River water rights that can be developed to meet our future needs. Investing in additional water development, conservation, and infrastructure strategy will aid us in meeting future demands. Ensuring assess to a reliable water source for all Utahns is of utmost importance.”

“I support the Lake Powell Pipeline project. Many communities (e.g. Las Vegas, Phoenix, etc.) use similar pipelines to distribute water to support their communities and the growth from people who migrate there. The water rights available to us here in the State of Utah protect us from possible drought scenarios and to assist in our growth in this beautiful part of the state.”

“Ensuring our community has an adequate water supply is one of the fundamental roles of local government and water providers. That is why the Washington County Commissioners unanimously support the Lake Powell Pipeline. Most southern Utah residents depend exclusively on the Virgin River basin to supply water. This water source is extremely vulnerable and variable. If a water quality or quantity problems arise with the Virgin River, it places us at great risk.”

“The water that the LPP will provide is critical to families today and will help ensure that there are local jobs and career opportunities available to our students in the future… Our children are the future of this community. We want them to thrive today, build their careers here and be productive citizens.”

“We have over 480 family farms and ranches (that) add more than $7 million in revenue for our county, annually…Some people say we should dry up our farms and convert the irrigation water to municipal water. That is not a realistic goal. The Lake Powell Pipeline is a responsible proposal that meets the needs of our growing population and our agricultural community.”

“Utah’s future water plans incorporate the effects of climate change. To meet our future water needs, we must conserve and develop available supplies. The Lake Powell Pipeline will help provide protection against droughts and provide an essential resource for our citizens.”

“A responsible, multi-faceted plan for progress is the key to the future of our community. We have implemented a comprehensive approach to water that includes conservation, reuse, tiered water rates and the development of new water resources such as the Lake Powell Pipeline.”

“St. George ‘s economy is benefiting from an increase in tourism, in-migration and upper income retirees relocating to the area. The community’s outdoor recreation amenities are world-class, and many, including my family, consider it a blessing to live where we love to play. These population trends have required city and county managers to consistently assess a range of alternatives that address our existing and future water needs. We are fortunate that city, county and state leaders are aligned in their support for the LPP as the best option for balancing our collective water demands with reliable water resources.”

“We live in a rapidly growing desert community with a limited water supply. Developing available water resources is critical. The LPP is needed to maintain Washington City’s economic vitality and water supply reliability for decades to come.”

“Water utilities and providers have the same obligations we do. People expect the lights to come on when they turn a switch and they expect water to come out of the faucet when they turn it on… Our community is at risk of water shortages if we don’t plan ahead.”

“The Virgin River basin has been identified by the Utah Division of Water Resources as limited and closed to future water development. The Virgin River remains subject to severe climate variability and multiyear droughts—it cannot sustain Washington County’s water needs alone. The LPP project will augment existing water conservation measures and Virgin River supplies with additional water development creating a flexible system that offers a more secure water future.”

“We are working hard to reduce the amount of water we use. Water demand in Washington County has decreased 30 percent between 2000 and 2018. But, conservation alone isn’t always enough to meet demand. The city has developed and is using its available water supply. That’s why the LPP is so important to us. We need this online in the next decade.”

“I witness on a daily basis the accelerating pace of growth in this part of the state… We will be treating the wastewater from many of the homes that will be built in the decades to come…The LPP clearly demonstrates the type of proactive engineering and environmental planning required to deliver needed water supplies to southwestern Utah.”

“To accommodate the growth that is already occurring and projected in our county, it is essential we augment and diversify our water resources…A second, more reliable water supply is essential.”

“St. George is one of the fastest-growing cities in America and it is exclusively dependent on a single water source. We must diversify our water resources and add a more stable supply – the Lake Powell Pipeline is essential to our future. We need to do everything we can to ensure this project comes to fruition to protect and prepare for our expanding economy and future generations.”

“We must look at the infrastructure needed to support our quality of life, health and safety, and economy for the residents of Washington County. I believe the LPP is the best alternative for Washington County to supplement its water supplies. The project has the fewest environmental and water resource impacts on the area.”

“Hospitals, by nature, are high water users. In 2018, we completed a new cancer center…serving patients from around the globe. Intermountain Healthcare is dependent on water from the Washington County Water Conservancy District to serve our patients. We consider the Lake Powell Pipeline essential to meet the future needs of our community.”

“Critics of the LPP suggest we can’t afford to pay for the cost of constructing the project. The Washington County Conservancy District, our water provider, has a sound funding plan that includes gradually increasing new construction impact fees, water rates and property taxes. This plan will allow new growth to pay for itself. …Two independent studies confirm the LPP is affordable.

“All economic indicators signal strong, continued growth [in Washington County] and the state’s population projections estimate the county could triple over the next 50 years… We must have water to support businesses and residents.”

“Part of our legal rights to already allocated water resources is the further development of water resources in the Colorado River basin. The best way to put this valuable resource to work is to build the Lake Powell Pipeline…We have no time to waste in developing this resource.”

“After carefully weighing many variables, we have concluded that relying solely on reuse, agricultural conversions, and conservation is a risky bet that will not meet our county’s
future water needs…Securing water from the Colorado River via the Lake Powell Pipeline is the best alternative for the people of Washington County.”

“The LPP has the potential to fuel the economy of southwest Utah by providing the one resource that is imperative to all thriving communities in the West. Reliable water projects have long brought jobs and revenue to a community with incredible returns on investment. In each case where a water project in our state was successfully constructed and mitigated, the local economy has thrived. This, even when most seemed expensive at the time of construction. LPP will be categorized likewise in the analysis years from now.”

“I feel like the LPP is the most cost-effective and reliable way to meet our water supply needs… It is vital for our region to build the LPP to enhance the reliability of Washington County’s water supplies. LPP will introduce a much-needed source of water as our region continues to experience droughts and potential other natural catastrophic events.”

“The 2006 Lake Powell Pipeline Development Act had tremendous support because we understood then, just as we do now, that water is the most precious resource in our state. The state of Utah has a good track record of building and financing water projects.”

“Because we are reliant on water, a disruption of water and wastewater service, even for one day, can cost businesses significant amounts of revenue and almost instantly shrink the economy of Washington County. The LPP represents the key driver of sustainable growth and development for the 10 communities in Washington County.”

“Sole reliance on the Virgin River would increase risks to Washington County’s water supply because it forces the community to use a single water source that is impacted by climate change. When it comes to achieving and operating a reliable and resilient water supply, it’s just common sense that two sources are better than one.”

“It is our duty and responsibility to get prepared for the growth projected for our area. That’s why the commissioners have taken a strong interest in this project. It’s imperative that we plan in advance of needing this water.”