St. George candidates debate growth limits, water supply and reclamation projects
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Summary
At a Washington County Republican Women forum, St. George mayoral and council candidates said managing growth will hinge on water supplies, master planning and infrastructure such as reuse, reservoirs and storage.
St. George candidates at a Washington County Republican Women forum on Oct. 24 discussed how the city should balance rapid population growth with limited water supplies and infrastructure needs.
Candidates said a city master plan, water reclamation and storage projects and clear technical limits set by water authorities must guide future development. "We know what we want to be when we grow up," mayoral candidate Jimmy Hughes said, urging reliance on the city's master plan and community input. Incumbent Councilwoman Michelle Tanner said St. George must pursue reservoirs and the water reuse center the city has "spearheaded." "I'm optimistic for the future," Tanner said, adding that private-property rights remain important when the water Conservancy district issues ‘‘will serve’’ letters.
Why it matters: Water is the limiting resource for development in southwestern Utah. Candidates framed water supply as entwined with public safety and long-term fiscal planning; multiple speakers warned that growth without adequate storage or reclaimed supplies could create recurring shortages during peak seasons.
Positions and specifics: Hughes emphasized the city master plan and local control of design standards to manage density and traffic. Tanner cited infrastructure projects she supports, including the city’s water reuse center and proposed reservoirs and storage (she referenced the "graveyard wash project" as an example of storage infrastructure). Council incumbent Natalie Larson pressed the connection between energy and water supply, noting the city relies on pumps and electricity to move groundwater and saying securing energy and wastewater reclamation are “critical” for countywide water resilience. Candidate Greg Allred proposed requiring developers to set aside a percentage of units for local service workers and mentioned desalination and other longer‑term options.
Candidates differed on regulation versus property rights: multiple speakers said they are “firm believers in private property rights,” while also endorsing proactive infrastructure and master‑plan limits that would steer where and how growth occurs.
What was not decided: The forum recorded policy positions and suggestions; no formal votes or council actions were taken. Candidates repeatedly urged public engagement and indicated the city council and water authorities will be the venues for any binding changes.
Looking ahead: Candidates urged voters to attend upcoming candidate events and to follow city budget and water‑planning meetings. Several said they would press staff and the Water Conservancy District for clearer service and storage commitments before approving new large developments.
