Some northern Utah County communities are trying to organize now to block attempts to pipe local water to Salt Lake County users.

The communities of Lehi, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Alpine, Highland, Lindon and Cedar Hills have joined the North Utah County Water Replenishment Association, with other cities expected to follow.

"We all, in the north end of the county, share a common aquifer," said Highland Mayor Jay Franson, who organized the effort. "In years of plenty you can recharge some water and the aquifer acts as another reservoir in a period of dry years. If we do this collectively, the water will be available collectively when everyone needs it."

Under the association's plan unused spring run-off would be allowed to soak into the ground and replenish the underground aquifer.

Franson said cities need to focus on storing as much water as possible in case of drought. And he doesn't want to see Utah County water being piped to water lawns in the sprawling suburbs of Salt Lake County.

More than 1,300 residents of Highland, Lehi and Alpine have filed protests with the state over a water proposal that would allow two water districts in southern Salt Lake County to drill wells across the county line.

If that proposal is approved, the northern Utah County alliance won't be necessary because there won't be enough water left to conserve, Cedar Hills Mayor Mike McGee said.

Area city officials say it will take a collaborative effort.

"We all need drinking water and we ought to be working together on it," Franson said.

A study will need to be conducted to determine how the aquifer could be recharged, Franson said. It would also determine whether anyone's water rights would be violated by the recharge plan.

The association is being formed in part so that there is an official entity to apply for federal and state grant money for the project.