SANDY -- Build a dam here, a pipeline or two there. Maybe throw in an aqueduct or a diversion canal.
Water officials say those kinds of projects are needed to meet the needs of a Wasatch Front population expected to double to 2 million people over the next 20 years. And it will come with a cost that will soar into the billions of dollars.That's billions with a "b."
Officials from Utah's four major water improvement districts met Tuesday night at Sandy City Hall to share their plans quenching the thirst of a growing population.
But while discussion focused largely on construction of new capital projects, several in the audience were scratching their heads at how little water officials were talking about water conservation as part of the solution.
"Charge more to those who consume the most," suggested Robert Weyher, vice chairman of the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, politely chastising his water comrades for failing to embrace conservation.
"Utah must step up its conservation efforts," he said.
And they need look no further than Las Vegas where water officials set a goal of 20 percent less water consumption, a goal similar to that of some Utah water officials. The difference is Las Vegas will meet its goal by 2005, whereas Utah isn't slated to reach its goal until 2050, Weyher said.
Most water districts have targeted only a 10 percent water savings through conservation. That's not enough, critics say, especially when Utah water districts continue to offer bargain-basement prices for water that encourages waste, not conservation.
"It's pathetic," said Zack Frankel, executive director of Utah Rivers Council. "It's clear they're giving mostly lip service to water conservation."
But the price tag of future water projects is going to be so high that Utahns are inevitably going to feel it every time they flush the toilet or wash their clothes.
Richard Bay with the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District said the average homeowner could expect to see a 150 percent rise in water bills by 2030 after the district pays $1.2 billion for new projects.
In other words, Salt Lake County residents served by the district who now pay perhaps $50 a month will eventually pay $125 a month after factoring in rate increases and inflation.
And the higher prices will encourage conservation, officials say.
That isn't the only solution, said Frankel. He said local governments must take a greater role to encourage conservation of water now, not 30 or 40 years from now.
He suggested ordinances requiring developers to incorporate water efficient designs, including xeriscaping with natural plants that use less water.
But the water development mind-set at the meeting, attended mostly by officials from the water districts, was clearly focused on delivering more water to more customers. Among the plans:
A new dam on the Bear River to deliver water all along the Wasatch Front by way of a system of aqueducts.
A new water treatment plant at Point of the Mountain.
A new pipeline from Deer Creek Reservoir to Utah County, and replacement of the old aqueduct from Deer Creek to Salt Lake County.
Completion of the Central Utah Project in Diamond Fork Canyon.
Decontaminating underground wells in south Salt Lake County.
Converting irrigation water to quality drinking water and recycling waste water for outside use.
Water officials emphasized that there is enough water to meet the needs of Utah's future populations. The problem is coming up with better ways to deliver it.
And that is going to cost plenty. "It will come from a blend of taxes and water rates," promised Nick Sefakis, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake City.
You can reach Donna M. Kemp by e-mail at donna@desnews.com