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Central Water Conservancy outlines effluent reuse plan, Basin 14 EIS progress and large loan-backed tank project
Summary
Paul Monroe told commissioners the district installed about $8.6M in infrastructure in 2025, secured a low-interest loan and $3.75M in grants for an effluent reuse project, and expects a final EIS for Basin 14 by month’s end; phase 1 effluent treatment (type 1 reuse) is expected to be commissioned in about two months.
Paul Monroe, representing the Central Water Conservancy District, briefed the commission on multiple water projects affecting Cedar Valley and Iron County.
Monroe said the district recorded $8.6 million in new capital projects last year, largely financed through a $14 million loan with a further $4 million in grant assistance at a 1.25% interest rate over a 40-year term. He said the new centrally located tank near the landfill and 8 Mile Hills will add roughly 20 pounds of pressure across the valley floor, improving service to low-pressure zones and reducing operational pumping costs.
Monroe highlighted work on an effluent reuse project. He said phase 1 will treat wastewater to a Type 1 standard suitable for human contact and irrigation uses (parks, golf courses) and is expected to be commissioned in about two months. The district has $3.75 million in grants to date — including $1 million from the state’s water resources fund, $1 million from the Department of Agriculture and $1.75 million flagged for EPA review — and estimates full transmission buildout to Cedar City at about $11 million.
On Basin 14 and the Pine Valley supply, Monroe said the district is nearing the end of NEPA review and that the final environmental impact statement would be published at the end of the month, with a record of decision to follow. He said the district elected to pursue the more rigorous EIS track to reduce legal and environmental risk.
Commissioners and staff asked questions about winter storage options, the cost of a dedicated storage reservoir (rough engineering order: ~$20 million), and alternative strategies including changing state recharge rules to credit in-ground storage. Monroe said the district will investigate options including on-site reservoirs, aquifer recharge, and potential state law changes to allow type-1 water recharge credits.
Monroe recommended continued coordination with Cedar City, Enoch City and state water agencies as the district pursues funding and technical reviews.
