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Virgin River council outlines reuse pipeline (24,000 acre‑feet) and near‑term reservoir work as fire increases sediment risks
Summary
The Canab Creek/Virgin River Watershed Council reported a phased reuse purification and pipeline program projected to produce up to 24,000 acre‑feet by 2045, the nearly completed Chief Toker/Toer Reservoir (about 4,000 acre‑feet) to receive reuse water, and concerns that the recent Foresight fire could increase sediment delivery to Gunlock Reservoir by an estimated 342%. The commissioner warned a call on the Virgin River for post‑1900 water rights is likely this year.
Dave Jessup, Virgin River Water Commissioner and operations manager for the Washington County Water Conservancy District, reported major supply and infrastructure items from the Canab Creek/Virgin River watershed.
Jessup summarized a multi‑phase reuse purification and conveyance project that will be completed in stages and is expected, at full buildout, to produce roughly 24,000 acre‑feet of water for future use; early phases include a large pump and pipeline system moving reuse from the St. George reclamation facility back up to areas including Hurricane and Tokerville. He also described the Chief Toker/Toer Reservoir project (presented in slides as nearly 4,000 acre‑feet), which will include a synthetic liner because it will receive reuse water, with reservoir construction and reservoir filling scheduled in stages (dam completion estimated in October; reservoir completion estimated in spring 2027).
Jessup highlighted ecosystem and operations work at the Washington Fields diversion — fish screens and habitat protections — and described post‑fire watershed impacts from the Pine Valley (Foresight) fire. A slide in the presentation estimated sediment delivery to Gunlock Reservoir could increase by an estimated 342% following recent storms on burned areas; Jessup warned that Gunlock is an on‑stream reservoir that will trap much of that sediment and that dredging needs may accelerate.
On river operations, Jessup said a 'call on the river' (enforcement of senior surface‑water rights) is probable this season because many large water rights in the basin predate 1900; the commissioner said calls focus on surface water and that district reservoir storage currently buffers some effects until a call becomes necessary.
Jessup closed by describing planned field tours (Confluence Park Reclamation Facility and reuse pump stations) and continued council focus on collaboration, education and refining priorities. Several council members asked clarifying questions about project partners, map responsibilities and measurement needs; Jessup named agencies and local districts involved during the presentation.
