Letter to the Editor

Subject: Water is Not Available for Future Development in Spanish Valley

Dr. Kip Solomon, University of Utah Department Head of Geology and Geophysics, told the Grand County Council, Moab City and the Spanish Valley Water District (GWSSA) that extensive studies last year on the Matheson Reserve showed no water from the La Sal Mountains was reaching the Colorado River. All available water from the mountains, both surface (in the summer) and groundwater (all year), is being consumed by the current residents of the area.

The La Sal Mountains supply all the culinary and irrigation water used by Moab City and upper Spanish Valley. Dr.inking water for the city and valley is taken from an underground aquifer replenished by water from the La Sals, and irrigation water is taken from Ken's Lake, Mill Creek and the underground aquifer.

The chemicals in the water from the La Sal Mountains are completely different from any other source in our area. Unused underground water from the La Sal Mountains should be detected flowing into the Colorado River from the Moab Valley. Last year's studies showed none.

Dr. Solomon expressed concern that salt water will move up into the aquifer below the City of Moab as additional water is removed from the aquifer in Spanish Valley.

Reducing the water levels in the underground aquifer and Drying the sandstone layers has a good possibility of closing the sandstone to future movement of water from the La Sal Mountains.

Moab City and Grand County need to finance a United States Geological Survey study to determine the source and quantities of water in our aquifer.

Moab City and Grand County need to work with the National Forest to increase the percolation of water into the aquifer in the La Sal Mountains.

Grand County needs to prevent the Spanish Valley water company from moving culinary water to San Juan County. Each new connection in San Juan County is one less connection available to a Grand County landowner.

Sincerely,

- William E. Love

Moab