Matheson Jr. calls for Utah 'water bank'

Scott Matheson Jr. would keep the current state sales tax earmarked for water development, form a "water bank," re-energize the current water conservation program and coordinate state and local drought-fighting efforts, all to channel more water into thirsty Utah.

The Democratic candidate for governor stood, perspiring in the heat Monday morning next to City Creek, saying the state has to do a lot more to ensure water for Utah's economic vitality and way of life.

Matheson knows this won't be cheap, with water projects costing hundreds of millions of dollars. While not saying he'd raise any state taxes or implement a statewide water fee, Matheson said it "may well take" local cities and/or water districts raising their water rates — thus encouraging conservation and provide funding for local water development.

Utah is in its sixth straight year of drought, "And who knows if it is over or if we're only halfway through" a long dry stretch, said Matheson.

As governor, he wouldn't wait around but would go after state, local and federal monies to develop and conserve water. He'd also increase bonding at the state and local level to construct massive new water projects as needed.

The timing is right, says Matheson. Polls show water development is the third most important issue to citizens, behind the economy and jobs, and public education, he said.

Utahns' attention has been galvanized by the drought. And it's time to marshal that focus to develop more water, build huge water reclamation projects — including a $354 million pipeline from Lake Powell to St. George — and conserve even more water, he said.

Utah actually doesn't have a water shortage, experts say. It just doesn't have the water in the right place at the right time for urban needs. And when water does get to thirsty homeowners and businesses, it is often wasted with poor usage, as Utahns are some of the highest gallons-per-year users in the nation.

Matheson says his plan is multifaceted and complex. But even with reservoirs down, Utah is not on the brink of disaster. With proper planning and the right leader now, Utah's water problems can be solved, he said.

"We must have a governor committed to water planning, someone who knows the legal thicket," said Matheson, an attorney and dean of the University of Utah's law school. "My pledge is to secure Utah's water future."

His 13-page pledge includes:

• Public involvement in all decisions — "to work, a water plan must have broad support."

• Respect existing water rights — "The only thing thicker than blood in Utah is water" ownership.