Given that context, we’re pleased to see the foresightful approach to securing water resources that’s been taken by Tooele City. The recent completion of the $2 million England Acres is another sign of that foresight. The project was funded by water impact fees — a long-term funding mechanism that’s allowed the city to continue to enhance its water infrastructure even during difficult economic times. The well is expected to improve water pressure in the fast-growing northeast quadrant of town and allow for the eventual completion of England Acres Park, which is planned to become the largest park in the city.
These days, even small municipalities like Tooele have to be aggressive about claiming water whenever and wherever it comes available. Successive city administrations have recognized this for years, as evidenced by the purchase of a Vernon sod farm 20 years ago for the water rights attached to it. More recently, in 2007, city officials successfully negotiated to obtain 4,500 acre feet of water per year from Kennecott attached to land the company owns in the Pine Canyon area.
That cycle of securing water rights, developing those rights, then securing more rights requires a steadfast philosophical and financial commitment that doesn’t change with changing mayors or city councils. In that regard, Tooele has done better than some small cities across the state that have been caught unawares by rampant growth.
Securing additional water shouldn’t absolve city officials or residents from the need to conserve this most precious resource of our desert home. However, conservation is only one side of the equation when scarcity intersects with growth. The other side is to be real-world about the competition for water and get ours while the getting is good.
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