Water Utility Resource Management Plan

Project Description

The City of Moab and surrounding communities of the Moab/ Spanish Valley are experiencing sustained population growth and steady tourist visitation, leading to increased water demand. In addition, uncertainties about the climate and extended drought have generated concerns regarding water supplies. These issues affect areas of Grand and San Juan Counties arounWURMP is and isntd Moab.  Water in the Moab area is provided by the City of Moab (Moab), the Grand Water & Sewer Service Agency (GWSSA), and the San Juan Spanish Valley Special Service District (SJVSSD). In addressing these concerns, Moab, GWSSA, and SJVSSD have formed a coalition of water providers (the Coalition) for the purpose of studying long-term water supply and policy planning.

The Coalition is considering shared new projects, as well as enhanced efficiencies for existing water sources as a way to maximize all of the water resources in the Spanish Valley. The project scope includes inventories of existing water sources, storage, and distribution systems; evaluation of the agencies’ current water rights; projections of future water demand; and evaluation of alternative future water infrastructure to support anticipated growth. The project scope does not address private water rights or sources. 

The work of the Coalition will be accomplished by preparing and implementing a coordinated Water Utility Resource Management Plan (WURMP). The Plan will assist these agencies in implementing policies intended to ensure resilient water resource supply and management for residents, visitors, and businesses for the next 100 years. 

Ask the Consultants

Email your questions about water resources in the Valley
(To make general comments or ask questions about the project please click the link above or email Sophie at sfrankenburg@logansimpson.com)

A large part of this process is engaging with the public to answer key questions about the water supply and help the community understand this valuable resource better. Keep an eye out on this webpage and Moab’s Social Media to see updates and upcoming events throughout this process.

PLAN PROJECT STATUS

In the spring of 2022, the Coalition retained the services of Hansen, Allen and Luce (HAL) Engineers to gather and analyze relevant data, evaluate alternative water supply sources, and develop technical reports to support the work of the Coalition. The Coalition has also retained the planning consulting firm Logan Simpson to support public outreach and engagement in the planning process.

Since then, the Coalition has been meeting regularly to review the collected data and analyses, consider alternative future water supply, storage, and distribution systems; and discuss public input received as the planning progresses. During the summer and fall of 2022, Logan Simpson conducted a series of interviews with government officials, interested citizens, and other stakeholders to gather information regarding concerns and suggestions relevant to the work of the Coalition.  

On December 14, the Coalition met with the WURMP Focus Group, representatives of the leadership of the participating Coalition partners, to conduct a public issues and opportunities workshop, based on the information gathered to date, and update them on project status. 

Watch the Dec. 14, 2022 meeting

How To Be Involved

Future Solutions Open House 
April 2023 (Dates TBD)

The Coalition members plan to hold a second public workshop to review additional information and public input to date and consider alternative approaches to meeting the objectives of the Coalition members. That workshop is tentatively scheduled for April 2023. Shortly after the second workshop, the Coalition will conduct an in-person public open house in Moab.

Coalition Members Workshop

This online workshop will include a presentation of alternatives and solutions, asking Coalition members to select preferred alternatives.

Public Open House

In conjunction with the Solutions Workshop, our team will facilitate an in-person public open house to display input received to date, preview alternatives and solutions, and gain feedback on presented alternatives. 

Public Open House #2 TBD

Toward the conclusion of the project, our team will facilitate a second public open house to present the final draft of the Water Utility Resource Management Plan. This event will showcase the alternatives, solutions, the feedback given during the project, and receive further comments on the draft prior to adoption by the City Council.  

Valuable Resources

Interested in learning more about water use in Utah? Check out the following links.


Water Utility Resource Management Plan Project Timeline

WURMP Timeline