STANSBURY PARK IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Water Supply Status Report and Request to Conserve
May 15, 2015
Stansbury Park Improvement District (SPID), the public water supplier serving the Stansbury Park community, has received calls from concerned citizens wondering if watering restrictions will be imposed as a consequence of this year’s near record low snow pack and the drought which has continued during recent years. We are aware that several water suppliers along the Wasatch Front have already imposed or plan to impose outside watering restrictions this summer, and there are reports that irrigation water suppliers in Tooele County will be imposing, in some cases, severe restrictions due to an extremely reduced water supply.
The water suppliers most directly impacted by this year’s lack of snow are those whose water supply is comprised primarily of surface water, meaning water running in streams and springs, which is impounded and stored in reservoirs. The severe lack of run-off from this year’s diminished snow pack has resulted in very low reservoir levels and a limited supply of water to be distributed among the shareholders and customers of these suppliers.
SPID, on the other hand, receives its culinary water supply entirely from groundwater sources, including 4 underground water wells ranging from 500-800 feet deep. The deep groundwater aquifers from which these wells draw water are influenced by annual precipitation, but according to studies it is estimated that it may take up to 15 years for surface water to percolate through the soils, sediment and rock formations to reach these aquifers. Historically, over this long period of time, the cycles of plentiful moisture and drought tend to even out the impact somewhat.
The first historical water level data was reported in 1970, when SPID’s first well was drilled,
(Well 1). In 1970 the water level in Well 1 was measured at 25 feet below the surface. In 1977 SPID’s second culinary well was drilled, (Well 2) which is about 600 feet west of Well 1. The water level in Well 2 measured one foot below the surface. There was a 24’ change in water level between the two wells from 1970 to 1977. As a comparison, in April of 2004, the water level in Well 2 measured 19 feet below the surface, still more than was measured in 1970 but less than was measured in 1977. 2015 measurements show the water level holding steady at 19 feet.
Fluctuations in groundwater levels do occur, based upon the total precipitation from year to year, this results in drawdown fluctuations in water levels each year depending upon the time of year and the withdrawals required to satisfy the water demand of our customers, primarily for irrigation.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, SPID’s board of directors feels that it is important for our customers to contribute in a responsible way in conserving the vital water supplies of the State. Thus, even though current water levels in our wells do not dictate placement of a mandatory restriction on water use in our community, the board nevertheless strongly encourages all residents to voluntarily exercise prudence and good judgment when considering their water needs, in an effort to avoid the imposition of watering restrictions should such become necessary.
We strongly suggest that we all be water-wise in preserving and protecting this vital natural resource upon which we all depend – for life.
Please implement the following water-wise suggestions, as a minimum:
- Do not water when the wind is blowing, in the middle of the day, or when it’s raining.
- Reduce the amount and frequency of watering times. Keep your grass alive; AVOID having a nice plush green lawn.
- For areas with sloping landscape, or areas prone to have standing water, implement shorter watering periods with more frequency to allow the clay soil time to absorb the water, rather than allowing it to pond, or run off the grass.
- Showers can be taken, avoid filling the bathtub; do not let water run in the tap unnecessarily.
- Install water wise fixtures, and repair toilets and other fixtures that leak.
Additional Water Information
Water for the golf course and golf course ponds are fed by two secondary irrigation wells located near Village Boulevard and Kravers. The Stansbury Lake, receives residual water from the golf course ponds in addition to water from the Millpond, and a few small artesian wells.
The Stansbury Service Agency is responsible for maintaining the parks and greenbelts irrigation systems, ponds and lakes, and all other recreation facilities. All questions regarding these facilities should be directed to the Service Agency. Stansbury Park Service Agency: (435) 882-6188
Stansbury Park Improvement District: (435) 882-7922