UTAH DROUGHT

Official: Water use will meet future needs in Washington County

Sep 21, 2023, 7:00 PM

Officials in Washington County say measures are being taken to ensure water use meets the future gr...

Officials in Washington County say measures are being taken to ensure water use meets the future growth in the county. (Tom Baker/Deposit Photos) ¿Bebes agua del grifo? Podría estar contaminada con un peligroso virus Tom Baker Tab62/Deposit Photos and background bathroom blue clean cleaning closeup cup decoration drinking faucet female from hands home horizontal house hygiene in indoor inside into modern of photo porcelain pouring putting restroom sink stainless steel tap water white with

(Tom Baker/Deposit Photos)

ST. GEORGE, Utah — Washington County figures to continue to grow well into the future. And officials say water use will be ready to match that growth.

Zachary Renstrom, general manager of the Washington County Conservatory District, says they are focused on making sure water is conserved as the county expands. 

In order to accomplish this, there is a long-term plan in place to ensure the area is ready for increased demand for water, according to Renstrom.

“And right now, the water district has developed a 20-year plan to make sure that homes constructed,” Renstrom said. “And the businesses constructed in the next 20 years will have the best water supplies they need.”

Additionally, he says the plan also includes policies requiring new businesses and homes to xeriscape and only have small amounts of turf. Renstrom also says part of the plan includes building efficient water infrastructure. 

He says some of the water in Washington County is of poor quality. It can’t even be used in growing crops, Renstrom said. 

“So, it’s just developing a very complex, a very dynamic system that can adjust from year to year,” he said.

Mark Jones contributed to this article.

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Official: Water use will meet future needs in Washington County