Emery council forms water task force as secondary-water supply remains curtailed

Emery — Facing a severe secondary-water shortage, the Emery Town Council announced formation of a task force to explore using town-owned wells and reservoir options and to design a temporary system for the current year.

Chair (S4) opened the discussion by describing the situation: "with the secondary water shut off and the water being the way it is, there's absolutely no water really." Council members said residents have repeatedly asked whether the town can use its wells for secondary irrigation and that the first steps are confirming water rights and completing water-quality and yield testing.

Planning & Zoning commissioner (S5) told the council the town already holds shares in the local irrigation company and that the general plan appendix includes a 40-year water-rights plan. "The Muddy Creek Irrigation Company holds the water rights and storage rights to the Muddy Creek as well as current small storage reservoirs," S5 said, while explaining the town owns four wells, three designated municipal and one industrial.

Why it matters: Council members said the shortage affects both everyday landscaping and long-term water security. Officials discussed short-term options such as frac tanks, above-ground piping and hard-piping a well into the secondary system, while stressing the need for expert testing to determine volume and water quality.

Technical details and constraints: Speakers repeatedly emphasized that existing wells have water-quality issues (high iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide) and uncertain yields. One participant summarized earlier testing history: "…when they were running the pump, well for the drinking water, it was producing right around 80 gallons a minute ago," though council members noted that estimate dated to decades-old operations and that modern testing is required.

Council members also discussed reservoir storage: Planning & Zoning commissioner (S5) said Larson's Reservoir "should supply the town culinary needs for 9 months" under conservative use and referenced prior feasibility work; Julius Flat was reported as holding a larger volume. Officials said the town will pursue testing of well yields and water quality this week and consult engineers on design options for temporary piping and storage.

Next steps and community involvement: The council invited residents to join the task force and to share ideas. "If you wanna be part of that task force, please let us know at the office," Chair (S4) said. Officials said testing results will guide whether wells can be used as a continuous secondary supply, only a backup source, or must be treated before distribution.

The council did not take a formal vote to adopt a specific water project at this meeting; members agreed to proceed with testing, coordinate with the Conservation District and state engineers, and report back when assessments are complete.