Eagle Mountain steps up water conservation efforts

As Eagle Mountain continues to grow, the City is taking practical steps to ensure its water supply is used wisely.

With an estimated population of about 70,000 residents and 17,475 equivalent residential connections (ERCs), the City relies on a mix of seven wells and water purchased from the Central Utah Water Conservancy District (CUWCD).

Understanding the challenges of balancing rapid growth with limited water resources, Eagle Mountain has rolled out an updated Water Conservation and Management Plan to guide its efforts.

“The City is committed to providing reliable water resources for today’s residents and future generations, ensuring our children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy the vibrant community where we live, work, and play,” says Finance/Management Analyst Terrence Dela Pena.

The City has already made strides in conserving water by enforcing outdoor watering schedules, limiting watering hours and requiring individual meters for all connections.

These actions have helped lower per capita water usage to levels below the regional target of 179 gallons per day.

“When we sought feedback from the Utah Division of Water Resources on our draft water conservation plan, they noted that the City’s current usage is approximately 125 gallons per capita per day—well below the regional conservation goal of 179 gallons per capita per day,” says Dela Pena. “The City is proud to play a key role in helping the region and state achieve their water conservation goals.”

Now, Eagle Mountain has set new goals for the next five years. One of the key updates to the plan includes hiring a full-time water conservation coordinator. This role will focus on implementing programs, educating the community, and finding new ways to save water.

The City is also planning to upgrade to advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), which will give residents real-time information about their water usage, help identify leaks early and encourage smarter water habits. The City anticipates a stepped rollover to the new system starting in 2025.

The City’s water reuse program is another area of focus. Currently, treated industrial wastewater is used to irrigate Cory Wride Park, saving nearly 78 million gallons of potable water in 2024 alone. The plan includes expanding this system to new neighborhoods, parks and churches, helping preserve drinking water for essential uses.

Eagle Mountain is also encouraging water-wise landscaping with drought-resistant plants that require less irrigation, especially in new developments and remodels. On top of that, residents can look forward to updated water bills that break down usage.

“According to Public Utilities Manager Mack Straw, about 60% of the City is now equipped with the new metering system, and more residents will gain access over the next five years,” says Dela Pena. “A public portal will soon be launched, allowing residents to view their water usage in real-time, monitor their consumption, set personal goals, and receive alerts about potential leaks.”

The City has set a goal to reduce water use to 121.5 gallons per person per day by 2030, which is a 19% drop from the current average. This target reflects Eagle Mountain’s commitment to making sure its water supply supports both current and future needs.