December 22, 2023 — Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox agreed with the Washington County Water Conservancy District’s decision to prioritize water conservation and recycling over the development of a Lake Powell Pipeline, reports St. George News. This shift in strategy, aimed at optimizing existing water resources, emerged during a PBS Utah broadcast of the “Governor’s Monthly News Conference.”

The Great Basin Water Network and others opposed the Lake Powell Pipeline development at a gathering in July 2021.

The change in direction highlights the Washington County Water Conservancy District’s new focus on enhancing water efficiency in Southern Utah. Instead of pursuing the Lake Powell Pipeline, the District is now exploring innovative ways to repurpose ‘gray water’ for agricultural purposes, potentially doubling the local water supply.

Governor Cox, addressing questions from St. George News, emphasized that the upcoming 20 years would be dedicated to advancing water conservation initiatives and exploring sustainable reuse systems before reconsidering any pipeline projects. This forward-looking approach reflects a broader commitment to sustainable resource management and addresses the pressing need for water conservation in the region.