News

August 2, 2021

Dear Official,

Weber Basin Water Conservancy District (District) held an emergency meeting with its irrigation water customer agencies on July 27, 2021, to discuss the persistent and extreme drought conditions we are experiencing. We understand this has been a difficult year for all of us involved in the water delivery business. We appreciate the input and explanations of the varied conditions in which entities find themselves leading into late summer. Obviously, we hope for a better water supply next year but are compelled to plan for a worse-case scenario which includes next year’s water year looking much like the one we are experiencing. District staff reviewed our current water supplies, use projections, and customer agency input with our Board of Trustees at their July 29, 2021 meeting. In that meeting, staff expressed the difficulty of balancing present customer requests with the need to preserve some water in reservoirs for next year. Only next year’s drinking water supply is projected to remain in our major reservoirs going into this winter.

Our Board of Trustees concluded to terminate irrigation water deliveries for secondary and agricultural uses (both wholesale and retail) on September 20, 2021. To allow users to have access to irrigation water through the weekend of September 18th, we will shut the valves and gates from the aqueducts and diversions on September 20, 2021 and allow users to drain the systems. The District is trying to deliver water as late into the season as possible to ensure farmers have adequate supply for their crops as we understand that, in many cases, their livelihood depends on it. We also understand this early shutoff will not be popular with some, but the conclusion is that it is in the best interest of the District’s 700,000 residents to preserve a drinking water supply for next year.

Please note that the above-mentioned schedule for the irrigation water shutdown applies to sources from the District. There are many irrigation water suppliers in your areas which will terminate irrigation services earlier than the dates referenced above. We stand ready to answer questions you may have and to assist you in coordinating this challenging water year. We appreciate our relationship with you and again hope for a better winter and water supply next year.

Sincerely,

Tage I. Flint, PE
General Manager/CEO