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American Fork awaits state decision on water reuse application amid Great Salt Lake sensitivity
Summary
City staff said American Fork’s water-reuse application remains pending with the State Engineer; staff and legislative consultants said decisions have slowed because of broader Great Salt Lake concerns and agreed to seek a status update from the State Engineer’s office.
David Bunker, American Fork’s city administrator, told the council the City submitted a water-reuse application to retain reuse rights but has not yet received approval or denial.
"We have submitted the application and are still waiting for a response from the State," Bunker said, noting that the city’s irrigation and secondary-water systems position American Fork to capture and reuse water within city boundaries more efficiently than some other municipalities.
Ryan Peterson and Craig Peterson said reuse decisions statewide have been slowed by heightened sensitivity to Great Salt Lake impacts and pressure on the State Engineer’s office; they said some other regions have received support for reuse while American Fork’s application remains pending. Craig Peterson offered to contact State Engineer Teresa Wilhelmsen to request a status update and determine whether broader policy considerations are delaying approvals.
Council members asked whether the State could leave an application unresolved indefinitely; staff responded that state law generally requires agency responses and agreed to pursue clarification on timing. The council emphasized the importance of early and clear State guidance so cities can plan infrastructure investments for reuse projects.
