According to the Utah Division of Water Resources, approximately 95% of our water comes from snowpack. Every Thursday, the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) updates the national drought conditions. Despite the snowpack reaching above-average levels for this time of year, Utah is still experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions.

The Utah Division of Water Resources reported that snowpack typically peaks around April, with a 30-year median of 15.8 inches. This year, Utah reached 80% snowpack before mid-January. However, drought conditions suggest caution as experts gauge spring runoff for our reservoir storage.

The extended drought conditions have depleted our storage, and experts note that the excitement of the above-average snowpack and precipitation we are experiencing this year would need to continue for several years to have us reverse the impacts we’ve been experiencing.

At Vineyard’s Feb. 22 City Council meeting, Senior Planner Briam Amaya Perez presented a text amendment to the General Plan, adding additional wise-water use and efficiency standards. Utah State Legislature’s Senate Bill 110 came into effect on May 4, 2022, which modifies provisions related to general plans to address water. Vineyard has been utilizing water meters since 2008, and has had a strong focus on water-wise planning in its General Plan and policy to help residents and businesses better control their water usage.

Courtesy Vineyard City

However, Vineyard continues to plan for the future and modify provisions to bolster support for conservation efforts and protect its finite resources as a top priority. These newly adopted changes set additional standards for landscaping designs that will conserve the public’s water resources. Additionally, Vineyard is undergoing a study to enhance technology and maintenance within its system to better catch leaks and breaks in real-time, which can save hundreds of thousands of gallons of water.

Vineyard continues to plan for the future. In a public hearing, during the Feb. 22 city council meeting, Finance Director David Mortensen presented amendments to the water and sewer rates in the Consolidated Fee Schedule. The new rates will take effect on July 1.

In the same meeting, the city council also approved the issuance and sale of not more than $20,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series 2023, and set a public hearing for March 22. Residents spoke in favor of the rate increase and bonds relaying the importance of planning for the long-term and building in a way that conserves water.

The adopted changes will increase revenues to the water and sewer funds to help establish a healthy fund that is not being subsidized to better maintain a balance for maintenance and operations of the systems. The increased revenue will also help pay debt service on the proposed water and sewer revenue bonds that will be used to fund essential large capital projects happening within the systems.

Utah consistently ranks in the top five driest states yearly, with this past year being one of the worst droughts on record. Utah is also one of the highest water users per capita in the nation, and water demand is expected to increase substantially as projections for Utah County alone predict a population of one million by 2040.

Courtesy Vineyard City

An examination of the Division of Water Resources data shows Vineyard as having the lowest per capita day-water use in the state. Vineyard’s housing model continues to play a significant role in reducing consumption as we focus on building affordable homes that support our labor force — police, firefighters, nurses, teachers — and more needed jobs in our diverse economy.

Vineyard’s residents have done an incredible job reducing water usage and have used resources to flip their strips. Vineyard has offered a xeriscape class to residents through Central Utah Water Conservancy District to help find resources and tools to update their green space for better utilization and to conserve water.

We are building and preparing for the future with our new water tank and have entered agreements to protect Vineyard’s finite resources and remain sustainable. Vineyard’s six million gallon water tank and pipeline projects are expected to be completed in 2023.

Additionally in 2022, Vineyard rolled out our “Community Works Program” that will be carried out in 2023. Vineyard City’s elected officials and staff are dedicated to delivering an excellent experience to our residents and visitors. Vineyard City will be announcing several upcoming plans for education on how to be water-wise, and will soon share what systems and goals the city will continue to adopt as spring and summer begin. The city will be rolling out a new website that provides an even more user-friendly options for interaction.

To keep residents well up-to-date, Vineyard has created several tools to keep information flowing, such as a weekly email, monthly newsletter and regular posting on our social media channels. If you have questions or concerns, send us a quick text that will directly reach our departments at 435-228-5083.

Courtesy Vineyard City

You can also reach the city on a quick online podium chat service, found on the homepage of our website. The Community Works Program also offers a survey, and we will soon be holding open houses where residents can easily share what issues need to be fixed. You can email the council at council@vineyardutah.org, and share insights by calling us or stopping by our city offices.

Vineyard is committed to providing efficient services that preserve and manage our resources, which enhance the quality of life for our residents, visitors, and businesses, and create a community feel that meets the highest standards.