Sometime after the year 2030, a 12-foot-wide diameter pipeline may deliver water from the Bear River to a thirsty Wasatch Front. If the pipeline and a new storage reservoir to feed it aren't built, experts say cities along the Wasatch Front could eventually fall catastrophically short of water, especially if the state's population continues to boom.

The pipeline, which is currently in the first phase of planning, would span 49 miles from northern Box Elder County to central Weber County.

A number of routes are now being considered for the pipeline, says Gina Hirst, water resources engineer for the Utah Division of Water Resources.

"The pipeline may not be needed for 20-25 years," Hirst said, explaining the DWR wants to get the word out on the project and formulate some potential routes. "We want to get it going before it's a crisis."

For now, the goal is to determine the general alignment the pipeline would follow. That way, the state could potentially save perhaps millions of dollars on land acquisition before new subdivisions or businesses are built.

That alignment includes a permanent 75- to 100-foot-wide path that would allow space for the pipeline to be built.

Hirst said community presentations began last June and that city officials along the route are now aware of the plan.

The study will provide an updated estimate of how much it will cost to build the pipeline. It will also identify environmental issues and possible multi-use recreational opportunities such as trails along the pipeline's path.

After the potential routes are identified, the DWR can begin the environmental permitting process for selecting a final route and prioritizing property acquisition needs.

Hirst said some of the needed area is near a controversial power corridor owned by Rocky Mountain Power, although at this point, the DWR doesn't know how it will even secure the right-of-ways needed.

Currently, the pipeline would only have water rights to the Bear River during the winter, meaning a new reservoir would have to be created to store water for the project.

Of the total 220,000 acre-feet of water the pipeline could supply annually to water districts, Weber Basin would receive 50,000 feet, Cache County would get 60,000, Bear River would get 60,000, and Jordan Valley 50,000.

Hirst said most preliminary feedback on the pipeline has been positive, with most people realizing it will be crucial for Utah's future.

More information about the Bear River Pipeline Project, is available from Gina Hirst at 801-538-7286 or e-mail: BearRiverProject@utah.gov.

e-mail: lynn@desnews.com