Re-engaging our Water Well Saves Taxpayer Money and Water
By Mayor Trent Staggs
I am pleased to announce that this month we will be putting back into production one of our water wells, adding to it a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis filtration system. This well was used without filtration prior to the decision to switch all of our culinary water source to Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District (JVWCD) back in 2015. This move will save Riverton taxpayers millions of dollars, while also providing water quality that is equal or greater to that of JVWCD. The re-use of this water well asset is something I approached Salt Lake County on some two years ago, and grateful for their unanimous approval of funding the project back in 2022. It is a win-win for our residents and the county. I am grateful to everyone who has labored to see this project completed.
membrane filtration technology installed on the well removes impurities such as minerals, calcium, sodium, and others.
No debt was incurred, and no taxes or fees were raised to complete this landmark project. I want to thank Salt Lake County for their strategic partnership that has helped make this project possible. The County committed $3 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to our Green Well project. Nearly $700 thousand of additional funds were allocated from the city via our ARPA resources to restore the use of the existing facility.
“No debt was incurred, and no taxes or fees were raised to complete this landmark project.”
Maintaining the Green Well will be costadvantageous for the city. No additional hiring of staff or contractors is necessary to maintain this reverse osmosis facility. That responsibility will be fulfilled by the Riverton water department who oversees our city’s water infrastructure.
approximately $850 thousand this fiscal year alone that would otherwise need to be paid to JVWCD to purchase additional water. Millions of dollars more will be saved over the next 20 years.
The new pumps and expanded water filtration equipment installed at our Green Well can pump hundreds of gallons of culinary water per minute, providing a million gallons of water per day. During peak summer use, the Green Well
is estimated to provide roughly 30% of Riverton’s water needs. The completion of this project will help the city keep water rates low for Riverton residents for many years to come.
Strategic planning and phenomenal partnerships are continuing to benefit Riverton City residents. The Green Well will prove to be a tremendous asset for Riverton City that will save taxpayer money as our city continues to grow.
The Green Well project is located on a city-owned culinary water well near Dr. O. Roi Hardy Park. The well has gone unused for many years, but by reengaging it, this project will increase our city’s culinary water supply through use of a sustainable source. The updated
Taxpayers will benefit greatly from this project. The Riverbend Golf Course will receive water procured from the nearby Riverton City Green Well at a reduced rate, saving county taxpayers millions of dollars over the next two decades.
The water purified by the reverse osmosis plant will also supplement the city’s culinary water resources, giving the city more flexibility in water purchasing from JVWCD. Riverton City is positioned to save
This new reverse osmosis filtration system will provide water quality that is equal or greater to that of Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District.
The new Green Well state-of-the-art reverse osmosis filtration system is located across from Dr. O. Roi Hardy Park near the Jordan River.
Harvesting Unity
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Trent Staggs - Mayor
Andy Pierucci - District 1
Troy McDougal - District 2
Tawnee McCay - District 3
Tish Buroker - District 4
Spencer Haymond - District 5
UPCOMING
CITY MEETINGS
CITY COUNCIL
August 6 & 20, 7 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION
August 15 & 29, 6:30 p.m.
CONTACT US rivertonutah.gov 801-254-0704
Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report
FIND US ONLINE!
@rivertonutahgov
By Councilmember Troy McDougal
I am a big gardener and love this time of year. All the work I have done before begins to bear fruit, and I can enjoy the benefits of my hard work from the spring and summer. All the planting, weeding, and watering begin to pay off, and I can enjoy the fruits and vegetables that my work has helped to produce. Nothing is better than gathering with family and friends for a barbecue, enjoying corn on the cob and vegetables from my garden, and indulging in ice cream topped with berries and fruit from my trees—all of us together enjoying the harvest.
A community of people working together for an outcome that benefits us as a group. There have been times in our nation’s history when we have disagreed politically or had different ideas about how to fix problems. But we have always tried to treat each other with respect and dignity, even if we disagreed.
“Let’s come together to move our country forward as a community.”
The freedoms we enjoy in this country come from those who preceded us and paid the price to plant, weed, and water the principles of freedom and law and order.
I encourage everyone to do the work needed to study the issues we face as a nation. Don’t trust someone else to tend your garden. Do your own work and then make an informed decision. When it’s over, let’s not throw away all the work of generations past by turning on each other. Let’s come together to move our country forward as a community. You don’t like corn on the cob? Fine, go have some tomatoes or cucumbers. Hate raspberries? Grab yourself a peach. As long as we stay united, there is always a chance next year to plant a different garden. That is the hope of America—there is always a chance to change things in the future. Now, pass me the butter ‘cause I hate eating cold corn!
The Value of Public Safety Night
Public Safety Night | Wednesday, August 7, 6-8 p.m. | Riverton City Park
Each August, the Riverton Police Department and Unified Fire Authority come together to hold a Public Safety Night. This free event is designed to educate Riverton residents of the many resources and services provided by RPD and UFA and allow residents to familiarize themselves with local first responders in a fun and comfortable setting.
The activities and demonstrations not only provide enjoyment for everyone present but also play a crucial role in enhancing trust and strengthening relationships between
the departments and the communities they serve. These interactions become valuable opportunities to build stronger connections and understanding for all who attend.
Public Safety Night highlights include:
• FREE Snow Cones, Popcorn and Cotton Candy
• Fire Engine & Ambulance Display
• Firefighter Gear Demonstration
• Fire Hose Demonstration
• Intermountain Life Flight Helicopter Landing
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• Mock Vehicle Extrication
• Police Emergency Response Trailer Display
• Police Motorcycle Display
• Police MRAP Display
• Police Vehicle Display
• Riverton City Emergency Preparedness Booth
• SWAT Display
This year’s Public Safety Night will be held on Wednesday, August 7, at Riverton City Park, from 6-8 p.m. For more information on the event, we invite you to visit rivertonutah. gov/psn
n @rivertonutahgov Connect
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UPCOMING EVENTS
EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT IN AUGUST
Friday Fun Nights in Riverton are a blast! With several events all happening at beautiful Riverton City Park, bring the family for a casual night out. Food trucks, summer market and vendors from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Entertainment begins around 6 p.m. and the outdoor movie begins at dusk. There are also three playgrounds and a splash pad at the park.
Registration for Flag Football ends on August 1. Children in 1st-6th Grade are eligible to participate. Register online rivertonutah.gov/recreation The Riverton Police Department and Unified Fire Authority have a great family night with food, games and fun planned at Public Safety Night!
• League Begins Tuesday, September 3
• Wednesday, August 7, 6-8 p.m.,
see some of the best watercolor paintings you’ve ever seen at the Utah Watercolor Society Exhibition. Learn more at rivertonutah.gov/exhibits.
Fall Classic Pickleball Tournament features a pool bracket, various divisions and players from all over Utah. Register at rivertonutah.gov/pickleball