I believe that Michael Embley hits the nail on the head when he points out that water reuse as an optional water source would greatly boost conservation efforts. Sandy, for example, through the South Valley and Central Valley water reclamation facilities, dumps about 10 million gallons of treated waste water daily into the Jordan River. A small portion of that is picked up by downstream users but for the most part flows unused into the Great Salt Lake.
It is our feeling that this water, after being disinfected and treated, could be put to a much higher and better use (such as watering parks and road medians, fire suppression, etc.) and thus save our culinary water for residential purposes. Sandy, working with the Utah League of Cities and Towns, is looking to use this water for limited secondary purposes and further promote water conservation.
Patrick R. Casaday
deputy to the mayor
Sandy