William Merkley, General Manager of the Uintah Water Conservancy District, presented the results of the 2 year Colorado River Basin study during Tuesday’s Vernal Chamber luncheon. The study projects that Lake Powell will release 7 million acre-feet of water during 2023. For the Lower Basin States and Mexico, the study determined that Arizona will take a 21 percent cut to their annual portion of water, Mexico will take a 7 percent cut, and Nevada will take an 8 percent cut while California is not required to cut back. When asked why California is exempt, Merkley explained that they are politically savvy and that apparently makes the difference. The Upper Basin, of which the Uintah Basin is a part, is asked to focus on water conservation efforts, especially as the upper division just divides what water is left over after the Lower Basin receives their portions. Merkley mentioned that local water conservation efforts are greatly appreciated and gave the example of Jensen investing a tremendous amount of money repairing leaks and reducing losses in their system.
