SPANISH FORK — Surface irrigation that has been a standard since pioneer days has probably seen its last season among family gardeners here.
Dubbed wasteful and inefficient by city engineer Richard Heap, a new pressurized irrigation system will replace flooding garden areas and taking turns with the water that flows down irrigation ditches.
"Things change, and water is such a precious commodity," Mayor Dale Barney said. "The water is city-owned, and it's costing us quite a bit."
As the city grows, the needs of all residents need to be met, he said.
The City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution of notice of intent to issue $16 million in water revenue bonds with a maximum interest rate of 6.5 percent for 20 years.
"It will be two or three months before the process is completed and the bonds are sold. This is just the first step," said Kent Clark, city finance director.
The bonds will pay for running pressurized irrigation lines throughout Spanish Fork. The city is currently requiring developers to install the irrigation pipes in new subdivisions.
The project will go out to bid in January with construction slated to start in the spring, concentrating on areas that now use surface irrigation, officials said. The city expects construction to take about one year to complete.