The state is moving closer to signing an agreement with Nevada splitting the water in the Snake Valley Aquifer, to the disappointment of officials in Salt Lake County. Mayor Peter Corroon is concerned the county will have no recourse if dust from the aquifer impacts air quality in the region. He also believes the agreement is premature.

07-AQUIFER 1 :14 “…making the agreement.”

“Really, the agreement is divvying up water, and then doing a study to figure out how much water there really is. It seems like it’s ready, fire aim versus studying the issue and then making the agreement.”

Elected officials in Millard County have also voiced their disappointment with the deal throughout the public comment process.

But Boyd Clayton, Deputy State Engineer with the Utah Division of Water Rights, says the agreement is like an insurance policy for the state.

07-AQUIFER 2 :15 “…through competition.”

“It establishes limits and guidelines between the two states of how it will manage an area. Lacking those guidelines and limitations, both states could do their own thing and create problems through competition.”

Governor Gary Herbert’s spokeswoman told KCPW that he wants to sign an agreement in the near future, but is not convinced that the current document is the right one. She says the governor’s still hoping to work out the concerns that have been raised.