Water Training Day is to help Sanpete irrigation leaders prepare for the future
By Maria Ricks
Irrigation board members and water masters from across Sanpete County will have a chance to learn about groundwater, water meters and changing water laws at the Water Education and Training Day on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
The training will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at the County Fairgrounds Event Center, 521 North 100 East in Manti. It is designed primarily for people who help administer the county’s approximately 57 irrigation companies. Community members interested in local water issues are welcome, though the program will focus mainly on the technical and administrative work behind irrigation systems and space will be limited.
Justin Jackson, Fairview’s water and sewer superintendent, said the training is intended to help board members and water masters better understand their responsibilities. Board members who attend will be better prepared to answer shareholders’ questions about their company’s operations, water meters and changing requirements.
“Everybody’s doing what they’re told, but nobody really understands how it’s all going to work in the end,” Jackson said, describing some of the questions surrounding water meters.
Agenda
2:00 pm – 2:50 pm: Groundwater Studies and Irrigation Technology
Brian Hanson, principal engineer with the Conservancy District’s engineering firm, Hanson Allen and Luce, will discuss groundwater studies conducted over the past several years. The presentation will cover estimated groundwater supplies, how much is being withdrawn and replenished, and where safe thresholds may lie.
“We want people’s wells to work,” Jackson said. He noted that the studies are intended to help the county understand its groundwater resources and avoid exceeding sustainable limits.
Hanson is also expected to discuss technology and practices related to diversion works, reservoirs and other parts of irrigation systems. Organizers hope the information will help companies identify effective solutions when problems arise.
3:00 pm -3:50 pm: Water-meter Implementation
Brandon Mellor of the Division of Water Resources will address the implementation and administration of required water meters. While many irrigation systems have been required to install meters, their use can raise questions for companies that distribute water through a shareholder model. The session will focus on how companies can manage meter readings and use the data.
“Everybody’s doing what they’re told, but nobody really understands how it’s all going to work in the end,” Jackson said, describing some of the questions surrounding water meters.
4:00 pm – 4:50 pm: Legal and Legislative Update:
Rep. Troy Shelley, member of the Utah House of Representatives for District 66, will provide a legal and legislative update. Jackson said new or amended water laws over the past decade can be challenging for board members to track, and drought years may bring additional proposals. The presentation will help attendees understand legislation and give them an opportunity to discuss water issues with their representatives.
The event will also include time to visit sponsored booths. Engineering firms, suppliers and businesses offering products or services such as pipes, meters and SCADA systems may contact Jackson about sponsorship. SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. These systems can monitor equipment, send alerts and provide records that help inform decisions.
Jackson said the gathering is also intended to encourage communication among irrigation companies, including those upstream and downstream from one another. “There’s synergy that happens by working together and having some common practices,” he said.
The Sanpete Water Conservancy District intends to hold the training at least annually, generally in November, and has discussed a possible follow-up session in March. Future programs may include training for real estate professionals so they can help new property owners understand which irrigation company serves their property.
Interested attendees should contact Justin Jackson to register at 801-362-2738.