Irrigation company warns county of raw irrigation water plumbed into homes, urges stronger enforcement

Craig Johansen, representing Cottonwood Creek Consolidated Irrigation Company, warned the Emery County Planning & Zoning Commission on April 8 that agricultural irrigation water has been used improperly in residential plumbing. "Distinction between A shares (culinary/transferable) and B shares (agricultural only, non‑transferable)," Johansen said, and he reported "homes being built using untreated irrigation water (raw water) plumbed into residences." He highlighted at least one subdivision where lots were sold without valid culinary water access.

Johansen told commissioners that the problem reflects both regulatory gaps and poor coordination among county staff, cities and irrigation companies. He recommended requiring stronger ordinance language, earlier verification of culinary water before approvals, and more robust public education to encourage a "buyer beware" approach for potential lot purchasers.

Commissioners acknowledged Johansen’s concerns and said the issues will be reviewed as part of the upcoming zoning ordinance update. They did not adopt any immediate new enforcement rules or specific changes at the April 8 meeting.

Why it matters: using untreated irrigation water for household uses poses health risks and may violate local building or plumbing rules when culinary water is required. Johansen’s presentation ties directly to multiple subdivision approvals on the agenda, where commissioners checked culinary water connections before approving applications.

Next steps: the Planning Commission agreed to consider Johansen’s recommendations during the ordinance rewrite and to pursue improved coordination with irrigation providers and cities. No formal motion or vote on new enforcement measures occurred at the meeting.