Board authorizes funding to replace standpipes with PRVs on Dry Gulch system to conserve water

Division staff recommended and the board authorized financial assistance to Dry Gulch Irrigation Company for phase‑2 work that replaces three large standpipes with pressure reducing valve (PRV) stations and installs air‑vac devices to reduce overflow losses on the Perry Page pipeline system.

Russell (division staff) described the project area southwest of Neola in Duchesne County and said the class K2 system serves about 3,120 acres and roughly 135 shareholders. The existing pipeline system used standpipes and overflows to control pressure; in recent drought years that design has resulted in substantial overflow losses — staff estimated average losses in the system up to about 1,080 acre‑feet annually and occasional spikes larger than the average. Phase 1 (not funded by the board) included piping the Brown Straw Reservoir outlet, which increases system pressure. Phase 2, funded by this authorization, replaces standpipes with PRV stations and installs smaller air release valves and fittings to regulate pressure and eliminate overflow losses.

Staff recommended the board authorize 77% of project costs up to $492,000, with the remainder from WaterSMART and UDAF Ag Optimization grants and applicant funds, and to purchase the project at 0% interest over 15 years with annual payments of roughly $32,800. The board approved the recommendation by voice vote. Applicant representatives confirmed the project will go to bid in April 2025 and that phase‑1 grant funds were primarily used for earlier pipeline work.