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Water supply and conservation top the agenda as Rockville candidates warn of limits
Summary
Candidates at a Rockville forum described limited water rights, ongoing adjudication, and the town's dependence on springs and the Virgin River; several urged conservation and exploration of additional water shares or infrastructure funding.
Water supply and conservation emerged as a central concern at a Rockville candidates forum, with multiple speakers warning that available water shares and springs limit future growth and that the town needs to protect its water resources.
"Water is probably gonna be one of the biggest issues for future growth," candidate Jeff Ballard said, naming water availability and the need for infrastructure as constraints on new development. Several speakers noted Rockville draws from springs and the Virgin River and that treated water is sometimes provided through Springdale; one candidate said the town "treat[s] some of our own water when it's needed in the summer." Mayor Leach and other candidates described a current adjudication process in which the state is reviewing water shares and "looking for people that aren't using them."
"There's a whole multi-state consortium that controls all of the water down in Colorado...They all decide who gets the water," candidate Jan Fasselin said, stressing the need to protect local shares and exploring unused rights that might be made available to the town. Fasselin also noted prior experience installing a new water system elsewhere and said infrastructure grants would be required to add distribution, hydrants and storage tank capacity.
Why it matters: multiple speakers tied water availability to housing, new construction and fire protection. Candidates said water limits could prevent vacant lots from being developed unless water rights or system capacity are secured.
Clarifying details: speakers described a mix of water sources (Virgin River, springs on the Mesa, treated water arrangements with Springdale) and said the town is in a drought and undergoing adjudication. Several candidates urged pursuing grants or creative funding to build water infrastructure; no specific grant sources or dollar amounts were provided.
Looking ahead: candidates said they would prioritize protecting existing water shares, consider conservation measures and pursue funding options for infrastructure if elected. The forum included multiple appeals to residents to engage on water questions at future meetings.
