The Washington County Water Conservancy District serves as a primary wholesale water provider for the Town of Virgin. According to a resolution passed by the Virgin Town Council on June 16, 2026, the Town purchases its wholesale water from the Washington County Water Conservancy District. This relationship means that changes in the district's pricing directly influence the costs managed by the local municipality.
As recorded in Resolution No. R2026-A, the Washington County Water Conservancy District approved an increase in its wholesale potable water rate. This increase was set at $0.11 per 1,000 gallons and was scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2026. To address this, the Virgin Town Council determined that adjusting the town's own water rates would be necessary to recover the increased costs and maintain the financial stability of the Town's water utility enterprise fund. Consequently, effective July 1, 2026, the Town's water consumption rates increased by eleven cents per 1,000 gallons of water used for all customer classes.
Beyond the financial relationship with the Town of Virgin, the district plays a significant role in regional water management and protection. According to the 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report for the City of St. George, the Washington County Water Conservancy District maintains the Watershed Protection Plans for the portion of the Virgin River basin from which they draw, store, and face water. This watershed protection is a critical component of regional water security.
Regarding the water supply itself, the district's surface water is drawn from the Virgin River. This water is stored at the Sand Hollow Reservoirs and Quail Lake Reservoirs before it is treated and distributed. The 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report for the City of St. George notes that the district's surface water is treated at the Quail Creek Water Treatment Plant before transmission to city boundaries and distribution to customers.
For residents looking to engage with or learn more about water protection, the district provides specific channels for information. The 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report for the City of St. George states that additional information on the district's source protection plans can be obtained by calling (435) 673-3617. This ensures that residents have a direct line to information regarding the management of the water resources that serve the region.
While the district manages large-scale watershed protection and wholesale distribution, the Town of Virgin remains responsible for providing culinary water service to residents and businesses within the town limits. The town's decision to adjust rates, as stated in the June 16, 2026, resolution, was intended solely to offset the wholesale increases and ensure the continued operation, maintenance, and financial sustainability of the local water system.
What this means for Virgin
Because the Washington County Water Conservancy District increased its wholesale rates, the Town of Virgin had to adjust its own water rates. As of July 1, 2026, residents saw an increase of eleven cents per 1,000 gallons to ensure the town's water utility remains financially stable and can continue to provide reliable service.
