The Toquerville City Council convened on September 17, 2025, to discuss the joint agency regional water conservation plan in collaboration with the Washington County Water Conservancy District. The meeting focused on the implications of adopting this plan and its potential impact on the city's water management strategies.

The council began by reviewing the necessity of a water conservation plan, which municipalities with over 500 connections are required to adopt every five years. The mayor emphasized the importance of water as a critical community asset and expressed concerns about any mandates that could impose additional burdens on the city. He noted that the state requires a water use reduction goal, notification to media, and a clear water rate structure as part of the conservation plan.

Toquerville's current plan aims for a 14% reduction in per capita water usage over the next five years, while the regional plan proposes a more modest 7.7% reduction for pre-2023 developments across the region. The mayor highlighted that new developments are designed to use less water, which could help meet the city's conservation goals.

The discussion also touched on the city's three distinct water systems, including the historic Toquerville water system, which maintains the city's water rights, and the Anderson Junction system, which relies on wholesale water from the conservancy district. The mayor underscored the importance of preserving water rights while collaborating with the conservancy district for future water needs.

Concerns were raised about the city's growth trajectory, which differs from that of the county. Council members debated the need for an independent conservation plan versus adopting the regional plan, which would supersede the city's existing plan. The financial implications were also discussed, as the city currently spends over $20,000 every five years to develop its own plan.

A significant point of contention was the responsibility of the city versus the conservancy district in managing water resources and growth. Council members expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding when the city should restrict building permits based on water availability. The mayor acknowledged the need for proactive measures and emphasized the importance of ongoing communication with the conservancy district regarding water supply projections.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to hold a public hearing before any formal adoption of the regional plan, allowing community members to voice their opinions and concerns. The council recognized the complexity of water management and the necessity of balancing conservation efforts with the needs of existing residents and future developments.