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Cedar City directs bids for three potential groundwater test wells as city seeks new sources
Summary
After a technical briefing, council directed staff to seek bids and begin permitting steps for groundwater test wells at sites 2.1, 2.4 and 2.5 (priority discussion emphasized 2.1, then 4 and 5). Staff will pursue private land negotiations and BLM permits where needed.
Jonathan Stout of the City Engineering Department presented candidate locations for groundwater test wells in the Rush/Braffitts Creek area and reviewed geology and prior reconnaissance. Stout said consultants had identified 2.1, 2.4 and 2.5 as top candidates based on basalt and gravel lenses in the area.
Council discussed potential interference between close wells, recharge patterns and access/permitting. Mayor Garth Green urged staff to gather simple water samples from existing agricultural sprinklers for basic total dissolved solids (TDS) screening before committing to construction. "If we don't keep exploring, we're not ever gonna take care of the water needs of people of Cedar City," one council member said, reflecting the broader goal to secure more municipal supply.
After extended technical discussion and questions about BLM permitting timelines, the council directed staff to solicit bids (and, where necessary, commence permissions) for wells 2.1, 2.4 and 2.5, with priority emphasis on 2.1 and 2.4 as staff negotiate with private owners and the BLM as applicable. Staff said BLM permitting for similar sites took about 45–60 days. The directive does not constitute construction approval; it authorizes procurement of cost estimates and initiation of permitting and landowner contact.
