Parowan staff outlines plan to redevelop 6 Mile Spring, build modest treatment plant

City staff described technical work planned for Parowan’s springs after the council opened a public hearing on financing. Staff said the primary projects funded by the proposed bond are: redevelopment of the 6 Mile Spring capture structure, replacement of the Main Canyon Spring transmission line, and targeted distribution upgrades to improve fire flow.

City staff explained the capture structure has failed and much of the spring flow currently bypasses the collection system into a creek; the city has contracted Orton Excavations to perform exploratory work and received Forest Service permission to re‑permit work on federal land. Staff gave current production and targets, saying the spring used to generate "about 800‑something gallons a minute," is now producing roughly 150 gpm, and the objective is to return toward the 800–900 gpm range if engineering and re‑development succeed.

Staff also described the proposed treatment approach as a lower‑cost filtration solution intended to remove turbidity and total dissolved solids and move the point of chlorination to a higher location in the system. They emphasized the alternative — a fully mechanical plant — would be significantly more expensive. Staff said some distribution-line projects would be scaled based on available funding and priorities for improved fire flows.

The council and members of the public asked clarifying questions about water quality testing, historic sampling during high‑runoff events and whether treatment might be avoidable if multi‑year testing showed lower turbidity; staff said re‑development and permitting are necessary first steps and that there is a chance extended sampling could change final requirements but that the safer option is to plan for treatment.