The Utah Division of Water Resources is currently working with willing sellers to acquire undeveloped land to preserve corridors for a large-diameter pipeline intended for the Bear River Development. Although the project was originally projected to meet water needs by 2015, current estimates from the division indicate the demand for the 220,000 acre-feet annual supply will not occur until 2050 or later.
Shifting Timelines and Long-Term Planning
The Bear River Development, authorized by the Utah Legislature through the Bear River Development Act in 1991, directs the Division of Water Resources to develop the surface waters of the Bear River and its tributaries. This mandate includes the planning and construction of reservoirs and associated facilities to support northern Utah residents.
While the initial projected need for the water was 2015, the division reports that the timeline has shifted significantly. This delay is attributed primarily to conservation efforts, the implementation of new technology such as secondary meters, and various optimization and efficiency projects. Despite this shift, the division is maintaining its focus on long-term planning, noting that the need for full development of the 220,000 acre-feet is projected to be decades beyond the initial 2050 estimate.
Corridor Preservation Efforts
Planning for the development and storage of the Bear River has been ongoing for several decades. The Division of Water Resources most recently completed a Feasibility Study in 2019, which included conceptual level planning for a potential system at full development. This plan encompasses reservoirs, pipelines, pump stations, and other necessary facilities.
To manage the potential impact on growing communities, the division has begun early acquisition of properties through willing sellers. This corridor preservation is specifically intended for a large-diameter pipeline running through Box Elder County. The division noted that as development has increased, preserving these corridors has become necessary to reduce future impacts on surrounding areas.
Environmental Impact on Great Salt Lake
The development carries significant implications for the Great Salt Lake watershed. At full development, the system is expected to deliver 220,000 acre-feet of water annually. While much of this water is expected to return to the watershed via return flows, an estimated 85,600 acre-feet would be fully depleted from the watershed.
According to a 2016 white paper published by Utah State University, Salt Lake Community College, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, this depletion could impact the lake's elevation. Current modeling suggests the depletion would reduce the Great Salt Lake level by an average of approximately 8.5 inches, with potential reductions as high as 14 inches.
Project Costs and Future Estimates
The financial scale of the Bear River Development is substantial, with cost estimates depending on different infrastructure scenarios. The division has produced cost estimates for 13 different scenarios involving various combinations of reservoirs. These estimates currently range from $1.5 billion to $2.8 billion.
An updated cost estimate is expected to be prepared once environmental studies are finished and the final alignment and design for the project have been determined.
Water Distribution and Allocation
The water provided by the Bear River Development is slated for delivery to four specific water districts. At full development, the distribution of the 220,000 acre-feet annually would be allocated as follows:
- Bear River Water Conservancy District: 60,000 acre-feet
- Cache Water District: 60,000 acre-feet
- Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District: 50,000 acre-feet
- Weber Basin Water Conservancy District: 50,000 acre-feet
Ongoing Management
The Division of Water Resources continues to manage the complexities of the Bear River Development through ongoing studies and land acquisition. The project remains a long-term infrastructure priority for the state, shaped by evolving population growth projections and ongoing conservation progress.
