The Grand County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing June 22 at 6 p.m. to discuss a proposed Water Use & Preservation Element that would guide long-term growth and development based on available water resources.
Legislative background and development
As Moab Times reported, the proposal was developed in response to state legislation requiring counties to address water use and preservation within their general plans. The draft was prepared alongside the Grand Water and Sewer Service Agency, Thompson Special Service Water District, and Arches Special Service District.
Impact on property rules
Planning and Zoning Director Andrew Jackson stated in an email that adopting the element would establish county policy direction but would not immediately change property rules or require residents to remove existing lawns. He clarified that the $ ext{proposal}$ is a plan rather than a regulation, though implementing certain policies could lead to future amendments of the Grand County Land Service Code.
Population growth and infrastructure demand
The element addresses projections that Grand County's population will grow from approximately 10,000 residents in 2025 to roughly 14,300 by 2065. According to the proposal, this growth and increased tourism will place higher demands on local infrastructure.
Water conservation strategies and goals
Jackson noted that summer culinary water demand is about four times higher than winter demand due to outdoor irrigation. To manage this, the element suggests strategies such as expanding secondary water use for irrigation, supporting landscape-conversion programs, and improving leak detection. The county estimates these conservation measures could reduce annual water demand by between 800 and 1,500 acre-feet.
Public comment and final decision
The Planning Commission's recommendation will move to the Grand County Commission for a final decision following a separate public hearing. Residents can submit written comments through the county's online portal until 3 p.m. June 18, or provide comments during the meeting on June 22.
