City races to file water reuse plan before Legislature acts
February 7, 2023, 6:00 p.m. · American Fork City Hall, 31 N. Church St.
Horrocks Engineers' John Schiess said American Fork could be the first Utah city to reuse treated Timpanogos Special Service District wastewater in its pressurized irrigation system, and City Administrator David Bunker said the city wanted its plan filed before a bill that could ban reuse passed. The council also heard about the Communities That Care youth prevention program and a legislative report, including a possible $3 million state appropriation for an environmental study tied to a flyover.
From the approved minutes.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Water reuse project plan | Discussed |
| Communities That Care presentation | Discussed |
| Legislative report | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Roads and utilities
Water reuse project plan
Discussed
TSSD must treat discharge to a higher standard; the city could pipe that water into its PI system as Type 1 reuse, providing a steady drought-proof supply and letting canyon water recharge the aquifer. The city has the needed water rights and has received grants. AF Irrigation Co.'s Ernie John said lobbyists were trying to add grandfather language to HB 349. New lines would be needed to push water uphill.
Item 2 · Public safety
Communities That Care presentation
Discussed
Director Brooke Anderson said the coalition brought in about $364,000 in grants (over $300,000 over three years), including a $100,000-a-year tobacco/vape grant and county funding for the coordinator; the city provides a $10,000 annual match. Programs include vape sensors in schools, parenting classes and school wellness rooms. Vaping and huffing are the top substance problems in SHARP survey data.
- Grant$364,000 to Communities That Care (state/county grants)
- Budget$10,000
Item 3 · Other
Legislative report
Discussed
Lobbyist Craig Peterson said a Rep. Snider bill would ban all water reuse; American Fork was No. 16 on a one-time funding list for $3 million for an environmental impact study related to a flyover. Bunker said 36 bills could cost cities $55 million a year, including HB364 (tying Class B and C road funds to moderate-income housing compliance) and HB291 (short-term rentals).