Pipelines called a water solution

As Park City and the Snyderville Basin continue to boom, the current water supply will not sustain the projected population growth, city and county officials say.

It's a fact that has them nervous about the future of the recreation hot spot, and a federal study says extending miles of pipeline from East Canyon and Rockport reservoirs could be the answer.

The study, released last month by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, lists two options to bring 17,100 additional acre-feet of water to the basin by 2050. The basin now has about 16,600 acre-feet per year available but uses only 9,800 acre-feet. However, the population is expected to triple in 50 years — to 86,000 people — and water will be needed then at a rate of 32,000 acre-feet per year.

Since 2001, the reliable water supply has been fully used, and the area has started to tap into its reserves, said Brent Rhees, deputy area manager for the Upper Colorado Region of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. "In order to maintain reserve capacity, we really need to develop these projects soon."

Despite the timeliness, environmental concerns have risen over the proposed 12 miles of East Canyon Creek Pipeline. An environmental analysis shows a slew of permits and prior approvals would be required from various agencies, including the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, in addition to demonstrating compliance with the Endangered Species Act.

Lisa Smith, executive director of Save Our Canyons, says laying pipeline has a detrimental effect on wildlife and can dramatically change the landscape, destroying vegetation and disturbing ecosystems.

"You're always looking at disturbance issues and displacement issues," she said of pipelines. "The state in general needs to brace themselves. The West itself is looking at a water shortage."

East Canyon Creek is recommended as the second part of the long-term project and is vital to the long-term water needs of the basin because it could add up to 12,100 acre feet of water per year, according to the study. Pipes would extend along the creek and a road corridor, and then take water to an existing pipeline and facility near I-80 and Jeremy Ranch.

Smith, who had not yet seen the study, hopes local officials will include environmentalists in discussing any pipeline plans.

Rhees, who helped start the study in 2004 with money from Congress, said the researchers found that any environmental problems could be solved.