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Show SECTION 9 STATE WATER PLAN - JORDAN RIVER BASIN WATER PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT In addition to being the state's political center and most densely populated county, the Jordan River Basin continues to be one of the fastest growing areas of the state. Consequently, the area's water resources are among the most extensively investigated. 9.1 Introduction This section describes existing and potential alternatives for meeting the future water needs in the Jordan River Basin. Present water uses and supplies are discussed along with future water needs, alternatives for meeting needs, environmental, financial and economic considerations, water quality assessment and cost estimates. Many water- related planning and development studies have been completed, not only by the Division of Water Resources, but by numerous public agencies and private entities. 9.2 Background Water development was an essential element of early settlements. The availability of water resources was critical as the pioneers realized successful settlement would occur only where water resources were available. Early Mormon church leaders stressed community development over individual ownership, especially with regards to natural resources. The early pioneer's approach was to develop cooperative water distribution systems. Those early ideals laid the foundation for many of the principles embodied in today's Utah water law, and the methods now employed to administer and manage the state's water resources. Community rights led to a standard of " beneficial use" as the basis for the establishment of an individual water right. The overriding principle of Utah's water law is that all water belongs to citizens of the state, and water planing and development through the years have been founded upon this principle. 9.2.1 Past Water Planning and Development Water development in Salt Lake Valley began with the first settlements of pioneers in the late 1840s. Over the course of the next two decades, each of the valley's mountain streams was developed for irrigation use. During the same period of time, wells were dug to provide culinary water for the settlements. As early as 1864, Salt Lake City began searching for additional culinary water supplies. The search ultimately lead to the first " exchange agreement" in 1888. This agreement resulted in Jordan River water being applied to irrigated fields in exchange for higher quality Emigration Creek and Parley's Creek water which was made available for culinary use. Since that precedent, other exchanges have been enacted converting much of the valley's high quality water to culinary use while poorer quality water has been used for irrigation. West Ridge Golf Course 9- 1 |