Council backs secondary-water working group and phased, low-cost pilot ideas
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Summary
Bluff council advanced plans to form an informal secondary-water working group led by resident Patrick McDermott to protect water rights and explore a phased approach (water trucks, low-pressure drip irrigation, tree nursery) while staff will pursue state conversations and budget amendments to fund feasibility work.
Bluff council members agreed March 3 to begin work on a secondary-water program and to form a small, informal working group to study feasibility and protection of water rights.
Mayor introduced the item as a council priority for the year and invited resident Patrick McDermott to describe a proposed phased approach. McDermott proposed a low-barrier pilot using water trucks to fill tanks, low-pressure drip irrigation and planting trees with community participation. "We could have a real low point of entry for some initial proof of concept…water trucks coming around and putting water in tanks that use low-pressure, drip irrigation systems," McDermott said.
The council discussed three next steps: forming the working group with a council liaison (the mayor suggested Gary serve in that role), budgeting funds in an upcoming amendment to support feasibility work, and contacting the state to clarify the town’s water-right status on the San Juan River. Council members emphasized that early, demonstrable intent to develop secondary water can help protect existing water rights even before full implementation.
Council asked staff to include funding in the proposed budget amendments discussed in coming meetings and to return with updates on state conversations and an outline for the working group. Patrick and volunteers will begin outreach and preliminary planning in coordination with town staff.