The Bureau of Reclamation has issued a final Environmental Assessment for the Eastside Reuse System, a project designed to stabilize water supplies for the communities of La Verkin and Toquerville. This federal approval follows a July 14 announcement by the Washington County Water Conservancy District regarding the broader Regional Reuse Purification System, which aims to create a drought-proof water source for the growing Washington County region.
The Eastside Reuse System, as detailed in the Washington County Water Conservancy District's recent Environmental Assessment, will augment potable water supplies by conveying non-potable reuse water to municipal and agricultural users. This process will occur in exchange for current outdoor irrigation sources. The project specifically targets the use of reclaimed water that is currently disposed of via land application.
In addition to water conveyance, the project includes the construction of an Advanced Water Purification Demonstration Facility. This facility is intended to serve as a tool for public education and community engagement regarding the reclamation process.
The Eastside Reuse System remains disconnected from and independent of the proposed Central Reuse System. While the Eastside project focuses on specific municipal and agricultural needs, the Central Reuse System will undergo its own separate National Environmental Policy Act evaluation. Despite their independence, both projects are intended to contribute to the overarching Regional Reuse Purification System for Washington County.
This regional effort is part of the "One Water Washington County" initiative. According to the Washington County Water Conservancy District, the goal is to identify and secure additional, drought-proof, and locally controlled water supplies to meet the needs of a growing population and economy.
The broader regional strategy involves a massive infrastructure investment to transform the local water cycle by capturing, purifying, and reusing wastewater. The Washington County Water Conservancy District, working alongside partners such as St. George City and the Ash Creek Special Service District, aims to produce more than 24,000 acre-feet of water per year by 2042. This volume is projected to be sufficient to serve more than 40,000 homes.
Currently, regional municipalities produce approximately 12,600 acre-feet of wastewater annually. As the community grows, this amount is expected to increase, providing more potential reclaimed water for beneficial use.
The infrastructure required for this transformation is extensive. The regional system will utilize a network of reclamation facilities to remove and eliminate contaminants before water is reused or undergoes advanced purification. The Advanced Water Purification (AWP) technology mimics nature's water cycle to produce high-quality drinking water that meets or exceeds federal and state requirements.
To manage this supply, the district plans to construct four new reservoirs to collect and store water for irrigation. Additionally, two existing reservoirs—Quail Creek and Sand Hollow—will be used to store water from the AWP facility. The system also requires 60 miles of pipeline to convey water throughout the network, along with multiple pump stations to move water from lower to higher elevations.
Implementing such a vast network involves significant technical and financial coordination. Stantec has been engaged to help implement the Regional Water Reuse Program for Washington County. The broader regional efforts involve a $1 billion system comprised of more than 30 individual projects designed to improve the efficacy of local water supplies.
To date, more than $250 million in federal, state, and local funding has been secured for the regional system, though officials noted that additional funding will be pursued to complete the vision.
The timeline for the complete regional system is estimated to be between 20 and 30 years. While construction has already begun on key elements of the plan, the full scope of the purification and delivery network will be realized over several decades.
Beyond Washington County, the use of advanced water purification is becoming a common strategy for water security; more than 70 communities across the country are currently implementing water reuse and AWP projects to meet future supply needs.
The Washington County Water Conservancy District continues to collaborate with several municipalities to secure a resilient water supply. In addition to St. George and Ash Creek, the district is working with the cities of Washington, Hurricane, Ivins, Santa Clara, La Verkin, and Virgin to coordinate these regional water security efforts.
