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Vernal Council hears drought warning; approves negotiations for satellite leak detection
Summary
Water Superintendent Ivan Merrell warned of low snowpack (~53% of normal) and early runoff; Council authorized staff to negotiate with Asterra for satellite leak detection (~$48,000) to target underground losses as part of broader conservation planning.
Water Superintendent Ivan Merrell told the council that local snowpack and runoff are tracking well below normal: Mosby site readings are roughly 53% of normal with a peak approximately 32 days earlier than average. He warned that runoff is occurring earlier and that while Red Fleet Reservoir can meet indoor demand, spring flows that support daily use are likely to decline earlier than usual. Merrell stressed that conservation measures will need to be adaptive as conditions evolve.
To address distribution losses, Merrell proposed contracting with Asterra for satellite leak detection to detect chlorinated‑water signatures, with a proposed scope of two satellite scans, data analysis, and about 40 hours of field verification at an estimated cost of $48,000. Partial funding is available in the current budget, and Merrell said other Utah municipalities have used the technology. Councilmember Randel Mills moved to authorize staff to enter contract negotiations with Asterra; Councilmember Robin O’Driscoll seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Staff told the council they are developing a formal drought‑management proposal, conservation rate options and public outreach plans for future meetings.
