SLC says Water-Hoarding Claims Are "Ridiculous"

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Salt Lake City is being criticized by two Utah County water rights developers who claim the City is driving up water rates and home prices by monopolizing H-2-O. In particular, developers Evan Johnson and Jim Garsides say Salt Lake City has more than its fair share of Utah Lake water and that is limiting home building in Utah County. KCPW's Julie Rose got Salt Lake City's side of the story from Public Utilities Deputy Director Jeff Niermeyer. First, he responds to the claim that Salt Lake City is hoarding water rights:

 

"Ridiculous" is how one Salt Lake City official describes claims that the Capital City is hoarding water. Public Utilities Deputy Director Jeff Niermeyer says the developers Evan Johnson and Jim Garside - who buy and sell water for profit - have their numbers wrong in claiming that Salt Lake City has more water than it needs. Niermeyer says the City has just enough water to last through 2050 - with a strong focus on conservation.

Johnson and Garside also argue the City taps more than its fair share of Utah Lake. But Niermeyer says the city exchanges those water rights - which date back to early days of statehood - for creek water in Salt Lake County. Johnson and Garside would like the city to cede some of those rights to booming Utah County home builders. Niermeyer says that would mean Salt Lake homes and businesses going thirsty.

The two developers, along with various Utah County officials, are calling on the state to evaluate those water rights. Niermeyer says the City agrees the water rights in some areas are over-appropriated and need to be adjudicated. That was the conclusion of a court case brought by Salt Lake City in 1935. But the adjudication has yet to happen - probably because it is expensive and time-consuming, says Niermeyer.

To hear an interview with water rights developer Evan Johnson, click here.

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