The Times-Independent

City elections: One set of water studies, many conflicting conclusions

Some candidates see bleak water future; others disagree


Joette Langianese

How much risk do you believe Moab faces of overdrawing its aquifer in the next 10 years? Why?

I am concerned that Moab and Spanish Valley are at a high risk of overdrawing from its aquifer in the next 10 years. Several studies indicate that the aquifer does not have as much water as previously thought.

Combined with the long-term drought we are currently facing and our desert climate, it seems prudent to be conservative when it comes to water usage in Moab and in the alley. Water is a finite resource that comes from recharge from the La Sal mountains. In my view, water availability will be a top priority for the city.

To meet the city’s water conservation goals, what policies will you implement to reduce per capita water usage in Moab? Or, would you set less ambitious goals?

As Mayor, I will discuss with the city council and staff the development of a conservation plan that focuses on the worst case scenario of running out of water to meet the needs of the community.

The city needs to work closely with the county to develop a plan that prioritizes who will be first in line to receive water and what those impacts will be on future developments and the tourist economy.

It is my opinion that residents should come first when there is not enough water to meet the demands.

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