04/12/2024
Come learn more about Dry Wash and the proposed reservoir
Meet at Dry Wash north end – Kwavasa Drive (at the dip in the road)
Saturday April 13, 10AM
Saturday April 20, 10AM
or
Self-guided any day or time
Terry Marten will be showing the site on Saturday mornings, otherwise you are welcome to do a self-guided tour. If you open the gate please close it behind you – don’t let the cows out!
As you may have heard, a reservoir is being planned for Dry Wash. This pristine open-space is on the east side of the Kayenta planning area footprint. You can access Dry Wash from Kwavasa Drive at the dip in the road. The reservoir is being planned between Kwavasa Drive and Highway 91.
The Kayenta community and Ivins residents are beginning to understand some of the issues associated with the Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD) plan to build a reuse-water reservoir in our community. Health, environmental, maintenance, and cost concerns must be addressed before final approvals for this project are voted on by Ivins City Council.
The Sensitive Lands Ordinance, General Plan, transportation planning, zoning, and land-use also must be addressed and justified. The reservoir is in direct conflict with many of the planning and guiding principles established by the city.
Among issues being considered are two opposing uses for the Dry Wash land. For over 30 years, Terry Marten has worked to provide to the community this canyon with its open space corridor and pristine natural park. Alternately, St. George City and more recently WCWCD has made the determination that a reuse metering reservoir is needed to provide necessary landscape water to Ivins and surrounding areas.
In the short term, a more plentiful water source will keep our parks and golf courses greener, but the canyon with its natural beauty and recreational potential will be lost forever.
Kayenta has opened the dirt road to the community over the next few days to allow residents and nature lovers the opportunity to walk or drive through Dry Wash to become more familiar with the area and see what is at stake.
