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Show strategies expected to produce the most favorable impact in the Jordan River Basin. 17.4.1 Wastewater Reuse One effective method of conserving existing water supplies would be to establish a system of reuse. To some extent, current water supplies are reused as return flows from irrigation fields and effluent from wastewater treatment plants return into the Jordan River. These supplies are re- diverted and reused downstream for additional agricultural or wildlife uses. No direct reuse or recycling of wastewater for drinking water use has been universally accepted in the United States, except in emergency situations. However, reuse of wastewater for industrial, agricultural and other uses, such as golf course watering, is becoming more common. In the future, water reuse may become a more valuable tool in conserving the existing water supply. The reuse of Central Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant ( CVWRF) effluent for agricultural uses has been considered. This proposal would pump effluent from the plant to the south end of the valley where it would be discharged into existing irrigation ditches and co- mingled with irrigation water supplies. The water currently being diverted for irrigation could then be left in Utah Lake. Project proponents have been the SLCWCD, CUWCD, and CVWRF. The plan, however, was found to be economically infeasible, and further studies and EIS work were discontinued. This plan, which is on hold while further evaluations are made, may be inconsistent with the current trend of farm land rapidly being converted to residential property. 17.4.2 Public Information/ Education Since everyone is a water user, any significant gain in conservation is an accumulation of individual attitudes and efforts. Therefore, public education is essential in conserving water. The degree of success will be directly proportional to the public perception of the need for water conservation. Every public agency or private organization concerned with planning, developing or distributing water can make a difference through efforts in this regard. Water conservation material is currently being mailed to schools, water- user organizations and individuals ( on request). These materials are part of a water education program by the Division of Water Resources. Other conservation objectives of the division's education program include water- efficient landscaping and gardening techniques and conversion to more efficient appliances such as low flush toilets and low flow showerheads. Educational programs continue to be carried out with students in elementary and secondary schools assisted by the International Office of Water Education at Utah State University and Project Wet, a consortium of water education agencies throughout the United States. Successful " Water Fairs" were held in 1994 and 1996 at the Salt Lake Community College ( SLCC) for students in Jordan, Salt Lake, Murray, and Granite School districts. At SLCC, students are actively involved in half- day workshops where water- related topics are taught by professionals from water- related organizations. 17.4.3 Institutionalizing Water Conservation An effective water conservation program requires a cooperative effort by all segments of the public. One way to achieve this would be through an active water education program conducted by public water utilities. Other efforts include the Utah Water Conservation Forum organized in 1993. This nonprofit organization is comprised of concerned individuals and groups throughout the state whose long- range goal is to become more aware of the importance of managing, preserving and learning practical ways of incorporating water conservation into every part of their lives. Meeting quarterly, the forum has educational presentations about water conservation, including water- wise landscaping. The forum also serves as a clearinghouse where highly trained professionals evaluate new products, programs and concepts. Most attendees are from Salt Lake County. Another interesting example are the results in California from a persistent five- year drought. Severe water shortages were experienced throughout the state. Water conservation, as well as re- allocation of supplies, was an absolute necessity. Conservation is now formally recognized as an important long- term component of water management and future growth. Dozens of cities and several public interest groups have signed a unique agreement called the Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Urban Water Conservation. " The pact commits the signatories to a multimillion dollar effort to reduce 17- 4 |