By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Expected short water supplies in Nephi have prompted the
creation of a water proclamation calling for residents to be
careful in the use of the natural resource.
Nephi City Council members voted to authorize Mayor
Chad Brough to sign a water proclamation for the city.
Mayor Brough was not in attendance at the meeting
because he had been called back to work. Brent Bowles, as
mayor pro tem, explained the need for the proclamation prior
to a vote of support by council members.
"In response to a summer that will bring short water
supplies, and to the offer of Utah State University
Extension and the Central Utah Water Conservancy District,
Mayor Brough will proclaim June, July and August 2001 as
Water Conservation Months in Nephi," said Bowles.
The program "Slow the Flow and Save H2o, is a regional
water conservation effort initiated to help residents be
aware of water usage and take responsibility for
preservation of the resource.
The proclamation explains that growth in Nephi is
continuing at a steady pace, as is the need for diligent
water conservation.
In the past, citizens of Nephi have enjoyed an
adequate water supply to sustain their life-styles and there
has been an adequate supply for an increasing
population.
"We (as Nephi residents) have actually had it pretty
good for quite awhile," said Bowles. "We have had enough
water in the past and have taken it for granted."
New water supply development and new water system
infrastructure will be needed to meet the demands of new
growth but responsible water use will help delay the need
for costly new water projects.
The proclamation was written because it was recognized
by council members that residents and businesses in Nephi
will use several hundred million gallons of water per year.
More will be required to keep up with the needs of a growing
community.
More than 50 percent of the total water used is
consumed during the hottest months of the year. During these
months, however, the amount of water used could be reduced
if residents would work together.
"The water system audits offered by the Extension
Office and the District will be explained in a flier that
will be sent out with the utility bills at the end of
April," said Bowles.
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