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Amid drought, city staff propose outdoor-watering guidance and public outreach
Summary
Staff presented 17 recommended water-conservation points for the coming irrigation season, urging residents to fix leaks, use cycle-and-soak watering, and match municipal use to spring flows; council agreed to share guidance with the irrigation company and to lead by example on city properties.
City staff warned the council that Manti is facing a short water year and presented a set of recommended practices to conserve water ahead of the irrigation season.
"We all are aware of our current water situation ... we're smack dab in the middle of one of the worst areas in the state," a staff speaker said, showing drought maps and a 17-point guidance outline. Staff recommended actions such as fixing leaks, using cycle-and-soak irrigation, raising mowing heights, deep-watering trees, and avoiding watering during windy conditions.
Staff emphasized coordination with the irrigation company and the community. "If we can reduce ... one day a week or two days a week, you take off your timer in August, you're down to watering one time a week or two times a week," one council member said, urging residents to match municipal timing to natural flows so the water lasts longer. Another councilor said the city should model conservation on its own properties after citizens reported sprinklers running on city parcels during windy periods.
Staff noted that rate structure and metering influence usage: culinary (potable) water is more costly, and secondary water supplied by the irrigation company reduces culinary demand. The council asked staff to share the guidance with the irrigation provider and to prepare public communications urging residents to be "good stewards" of water as the irrigation season begins in a month.
No mandatory restrictions were adopted at the meeting; the council endorsed proactive outreach and asked staff to return with any necessary regulatory recommendations if conditions change.
