Opposition Grows Against Proposed Water Pipeline in Utah
A proposed 66-mile pipeline project aimed at supplying water to the Cedar City area in Utah is currently facing legal challenges. The Bureau of Land Management’s approval of the Pine Valley Water Supply Project on March 2 has sparked opposition from groups questioning the thoroughness of the federal review process.
The project plans to address increased water demand due to population growth and development, but not everyone is convinced. Critics argue that the environmental impact assessment was inadequate, particularly regarding aquifers and ecosystems reliant on groundwater.
Kyle Roerink, executive director of the Great Basin Water Network, highlighted the potential regional consequences, stating, “This project will take water away from the springs, and that will impact farmers and ranchers who use them. That will impact wildlife. So anything that is going to take that water away right now is a huge threat, not just to the people and wildlife that are currently using it, but to future generations.”
The coalition opposing the pipeline has appealed to the Interior Board of Land Appeals to delay the project while legal proceedings continue. A decision on whether to grant this request is anticipated in the coming weeks.
Roerink also raised concerns about the necessity of the pipeline for future water needs. He questioned the claims of local officials, saying, “Look at satellite imagery of Cedar City. The community is not running out of water like Iron County officials claim. They are over-pumping and over-using their own supplies.”
Despite opposition, supporters argue that the pipeline is crucial for securing a long-term water supply in the region. The initiative is part of a larger strategy to utilize groundwater from rural areas in southern Utah, an approach that has historically faced resistance due to the potential long-term impacts.
Past efforts to export groundwater in this arid region have met significant resistance, such as the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s long-standing proposal, which was ultimately halted following extensive legal and regulatory challenges.
The outcome of the current appeal will likely depend on whether federal authorities revisit their evaluation and if the opponents can succeed in convincing the appeals board to intervene.
This report is produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, in collaboration with KUNR, Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio, KUNC in Northern Colorado, KANW in New Mexico, Colorado Public Radio, KJZZ in Arizona, and NPR, supported by affiliate newsrooms across the region. Funding is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Eric and Wendy Schmidt.
