FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cedar City, Utah — March 2, 2026
The Cedar Valley Water Conservancy, (formerly Central Iron County Water Conservancy District) announced a major milestone for the future of Iron County’s water security following the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) issuance of the Record of Decision (ROD) approving Basin 14 – Pine Valley Water Supply Project. This decision authorizes the Water Conservancy to construct and operate a new wellfield and pipeline system that will deliver up to 15,000 acre‑feet per year of legally acquired groundwater from Pine Valley to Cedar Valley, helping secure a sustainable water supply for generations to come.
A Vital Water Supply for Cedar Valley’s Future
For decades, Cedar Valley’s aquifer has been severely overdrawn—currently by more than 7,000 acre-feet per year—and is subject to a state-mandated Groundwater Management Plan that will gradually reduce groundwater pumping to reach safe yield. At the same time, population in Iron County is projected to rise, with water demand expected to grow with the community. “This project is absolutely essential to Cedar Valley’s long-term water sustainability,” said Water Conservancy General Manager Paul Monroe. “This project allows us to bring already permitted court adjudicated water rights into use—water which will allow us to diversify our water supply and combine them with conservation projects like our reuse projects.”
The Pine Valley Water Supply Project provides the missing supply needed to stabilize the aquifer, support municipal and agricultural needs, and prevent future water shortages that would otherwise threaten economic stability.
Strong Environmental Safeguards and Responsible Water Management
The Water Conservancy emphasized that environmental protection was at the center of project planning. As required by the BLM, the Water Conservancy will implement one of the most extensive groundwater monitoring and adaptive management programs in Utah’s history. This includes requirements to:
Protect Springs, Habitat, and Wildlife
- Implement a comprehensive suite of wildlife, vegetation, habitat, and cultural resource protection measures—including protections for the Utah prairie dog, migratory birds, and greater sagegrouse—as outlined in the EIS.
- Monitor key springs across Pine Valley, Wah Wah Valley, and adjacent basins to ensure project pumping does not cause adverse impacts to spring flows or groundwater‑dependent ecosystems.
- Maintain water quality and minimize ground disturbance through construction best practices.
Protect Senior Water Right Holders
The project includes a mandatory Interference Drawdown Monitoring and Mitigation Program, ensuring that no senior water right holder is harmed. This program will:
- Monitor groundwater levels continuously at startup, nearfield, and farfield wells.
- Identify any well owner who may experience more than 15 feet of drawdown attributable to the project.
- Compensate or mitigate for any proven impacts—to wells or springs—at the Water Conservancy’s expense.
“We are committed to protecting every senior water right holder in Pine Valley and surrounding area,” said David Harris, Water Conservancy Board Chair. “The protections embedded in this project are unprecedented and enforceable.”
Compliance With State Orders and Federal Oversight
As required under the Utah Division of Water Rights’ 2014 Order, Water Conservancy must:
- Meter every production well.
- Report all pumping data monthly and annually.
- Stay within the safe yield of the hydrologic system through adaptive management.
The BLM will oversee environmental compliance throughout construction and operation.
A Decision That Matters for Every Resident
Water Conservancy leaders stressed that the BLM’s Decision is more than a regulatory step—it is a turning point for Iron County.
“This project allows us to meet the needs of families, businesses, agriculture, and future generations,” said Steve Nelson, Cedar City Mayor and Water Conservancy Board Member. “Without it, Cedar Valley would face unavoidable shortages, decreasing water reliability, and long‑term economic constraints.”
The project also complements ongoing local efforts, including conservation programs, recharge projects, and the Cedar City Reuse Project currently under construction.
Next Steps
With the federal approval now complete, the Water Conservancy will begin detailed design, permitting, and phased construction of wells, pipelines, and power facilities. The initial monitoring wells and startup production wells will be installed first to further refine aquifer response before full wellfield buildout.
About Cedar Valley Water Conservancy
The Cedar Valley Water Conservancy is charged with conserving, developing, and stabilizing the Cedar Valley water supply for the benefit of all current and future water users and consumers in the region. The Conservancy promotes and educates about conservation, recharge, reuse, new sources, and strategies as it strives to meet the challenges of declining water levels and community growth.
Figure 3 2016 Test Well Pine Valley
Figure 4 Drilling Test Wells 2016
Figure 5 2022 Installing Weather Station Pine Valley