This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The state Legislature is considering approving $36 million in sales taxes for the Lake Powell pipeline, a project that is not needed, is cost prohibitive and is imbued with uncertainty.
A comprehensive study by Utah economists demonstrates the LPP is not financially feasible. Other studies show that with conservation, available water resources will meet demand until at least 2060. The 2015 Legislative Audit shows Washington County's water use is among the highest in the West, yet proponent of the pipeline, the Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD), refuses to promote realistic conservation.
Examples: While Las Vegas metro reduced its gallons per capita per day (GPCD) by 43 percent between 2002 and 2014, the WCWCD's conservation goal is a scant 18 percent over the next 45 years. While Las Vegas aims to reduce water use to 199 GPCD by 2035, the WCWCD's goal is 241 GPCD by 2060. Further, to exaggerate the need for the pipeline, the WCWCD study excludes several water sources available in the county. Regarding Lake Powell's water, drought and global warming are causing significant decreases in the Colorado River flow. Studies show flow could decrease by 10 percent to 50 percent by mid-century, yet the WCWCD doesn't acknowledge that water may not be available.
Andrew Kramer
Ivins