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Show 56 ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF WATER DEVELOPMENT 67. The Salt Lake Telegram comments editorially upon the Water District's decision to employ nationally recognized engineers for a survey of the water problem. Long- Kange Prograf ACTION by the metropolitan water district board to employ a nationally recognize! firm of engineers to survey the municipal water problem as the first step in a long- range program is the most hopeful undertaking in the whole history of the city's stumbling effort to deal with this prime utility. The reservation that the subject be approached with the understanding that the interests of the city commission and the district board are identical is forehanded in providing a maximum of assurance against controversy and conflict as the survey is completed. It is controversy and conflict, coupled with other factors which have muddled so many past undertakings, that the existing water situation is in such chaotic condition. Never has an intelligent long- range program been brought to a focus. Tackling the problem inchmeal has resulted in incalculable waste of money and unconscionable dissipation of water resources. It is regrettable to have to say it, but in all cir « - cumstances it is quite improbable that any local engineering talent, however competent, could present an acceptable solution to the problem presented. There is altogether too much unfortunate past history to involve the matter. No informed engineer or layman has at any time had ground to doubt that adequate water is available for the present and future needs of this city. On this score, the engineering firm retained by the district should encounter no difficulty in discovering where it is most advantageously obtainable and the costs involved. The most confusing element to enter into all calculations is the determination of legal questions, with respect particularly to underground waters. Another knotty problem is in getting the matter oTexchahges straightened oi. it without forcing costly and interminable litiga tion and without preciptating severely injuii ous losses to the parties to the exchanges. It i to little purpose to remark now that foresigh and intelligent calculation many years ago could have avoided this dire prospect. It will be in the public interest if the projected survey may now proceed without interference of those with hobbies to promote and axes to grind. The great need of the municipality is that a competent, unbiased, uninflu enced and wholly dispassionate examination be made of the present confused situation and that nn adequate program be worked out with sound and tolerable financial proposals. When that i- laid before the public, progress with confidence will be possible under civic- minded cooperation and collaboration between the city commis sion and the metropolitan water district board behind the Alvord, Burdick & Howson report was the experience of 1934 which necessitated many revisions of opinion and of planning. The conclusions were nevertheless in substantial harmony within the scope of similar coverage. The Water Advisory Board had recommended as the most desirable long- range enterprise, the acquisition of " Deer Creek" storage and so did Alvord, Burdick & Howson. Their final conclusions were stated as follows: " In our opinion the participation of Salt Lake City in the Deer Creek Project presents the most advantageous opportunity to augment the City's supply that is available at the present time, for the following reasons: " 1. In our opinion it will supply Salt Lake City at less annual cost than any other project. " 2. It insures an adequate supply of water for Salt Lake City for the indefinite future. " 3. The water will be cleaner than the present creek supplies and softer than any available ground water. ' 4. It will provide a storage reservoir capacity about twice the present yearly consumption of the City; thus permitting storage in wet years to be used in drv years. |