The Washington County Water Conservancy District plays a central role in the regional water infrastructure, specifically regarding the surface water used by the City of St. George. According to a 2013 water quality report, the City of St. George purchases its surface water from the Washington County Water Conservancy District. This water is drawn from the Virgin River and is stored at the Sand Hollow and Quail Lake Reservoirs. Before the water is transmitted to City boundaries and distributed to customers, it is treated at the Quail Creek Water Treatment Plant.
Residents can engage with the district by attending regularly scheduled meetings. These meetings are held at 533 East Waterworks Drive, located just off East Red Hills Parkway in St. George. For those seeking more information or wishing to call the district, the 2013 water quality report lists (435) 673-3617 as a contact number.
The district also maintains Watershed Protection Plans for the portion of the Virgin River basin from which it draws, stores, and treats surface water, according to the 2013 water quality report. Beyond management and protection, the district has been involved in community outreach and conservation initiatives. For example, a 2026 article by Rene Fleming notes that the district has coordinated public events such as garden fairs held in May to celebrate Water Week, as well as a Fall Festival in October to Imagine a Day Without Water. These events are supported by various community partners, including the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, the Audubon Society, and the City's Parks and Community Services Department.
Financial incentives for conservation are another aspect of the district's engagement with the community. As reported by stgeorgeutah.com on Dec. 12, 2022, the Washington County Water Conservancy District offers cash rebates to residents and businesses who replace water-intensive lawns with water-efficient landscaping. This program aims to provide larger payouts for those replacing decorative, non-functional grass.
In addition to landscaping rebates, the district has participated in educational efforts, such as the Water Fair organized by the WCWCD. The district also maintains a presence in local education, as noted by Rene Fleming, who has participated in events such as the recreation division's Safety Fair and organized the Water Fair.
While the district focuses on surface water, the City of St. George also relies on groundwater. According to the 2013 water quality report, some water customers within the City receive a mixture of water from groundwater and surface water sources during certain times of the year. Specifically, customers located along State Highway 18 as far north as the Ledges Subdivision are served exclusively by groundwater from the Tolman-Ledges wells. These groundwater sources draw from the consolidated rock aquifers of the Kayenta Formation and the Navajo Sandstone, which lie within the Virgin River basin.
What this means for St. George
For residents of St. George, the Washington County Water Conservancy District is a vital provider of surface water. By participating in district meetings or utilizing landscaping rebate programs, citizens can directly engage with regional water management and conservation efforts to help protect the shared resources of the Virgin River basin.
