management including local water banks. These water banks are being proposed to facilitate the voluntary and temporary transfer of water by allowing water users to place water rights or shares that they may not use into the bank for another user’s potential use. Another ongoing effort is researching agricultural optimization. The research is about answering the simple but complicated question, “What water and agricultural management practices can maintain or increase agricultural production while minimizing impacts upon water supply, water quality and the environment?” The two areas of research include the advancement of irrigation technology and implementation in Utah and the quantification of agricultural water supply/demands (Figure 1.). Getting a New Perspective One of the ways that I have witnessed resiliency being created and nurtured is through collaboration. As people collaborate on the tough issues that we are facing, it gives us an opportunity to walk in someone else’s shoes and see the world from their perspective. There are several examples of ongoing collaboration in Utah including the Regional Watershed Councils, State Water Plan Advisory Committee and the many groups involved in Great Salt Lake issues. Regional
(Photo credit: Candice Hasenyager)
development of the new State Water Plan including setting the goals, values, actionable recommendations and an overall review of the plan. Their efforts and participation in the plan have been critical to the success of a more well-rounded and resilient plan. Great Salt Lake faces an uncertain future with the effects of continued population growth and the corresponding
What water and agricultural management practices can maintain or increase agricultural production while minimizing impacts upon water supply, water quality and the environment?
What irrigation and agricultural management practices can increase water productivity in Utah?
How can quantification be improved to improve water management and increase water productivity?
How do the practices affect the communities, water supply, water quality and the environment where they are implemented?
increasing water supply demand and a changing climate. There are many individuals from all different interests that are on the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council, Great Salt Lake Technical Team and Great Salt Lake Integrated Water Model (GSLIM). Looking at the lake from all of these perspectives ensures that the concerns are included in all aspects of the research and management of the lake. The looming question that is a constant is, “Are we there yet?” In my opinion, no. Being vigilant, flexible and recognizing new perspectives is a good jumpstart toward building resiliency in our water future, but it is not the end. I hope we have a little
Research Area 1 Advanced Irrigation Technology & Implementation in Utah
Research Area 2 Quantification of Agricultural Water Supply and Demands
2.1 Retroactive Case Study of Emory County Effort
1.1 Literature Review
2.2 Review of Current Water Quantification Practices, Gaps, and Needs
1.2 Optlmltlng Water Use with Pivot and Drip Irrigation Methods 1.3 Optlmlzlng Water Use with Surface Irrigation Methods
2.3 Water Quantifiatlon Pilot Program
Figure 1. Research areas 1 & 2
grit as we move into the future. John Wayne said it best, “True grit is making a decision and standing by it, doing what must be done. No moral man can have peace of mind if he leaves undone what he knows he should have done.” ■ Candice Hasenyager is a licensed professional engineer (P.E.) and the Assistant Director at the Utah Division of Water Resources with over 12 years of experience in water resource planning. The views expressed herein are solely the opinions and perspectives of the author and does not represent official policy of Utah Division
Watershed Councils are found in many parts of the country which allow for local participation and input into water policy and management decisions. The Water Strategy recommends that regional watershed councils be developed for the State of Utah. A group of stakeholders have been drafting legislation that would establish these regional watershed councils. These councils could give stakeholders an ongoing forum where they can participate in the process to research, evaluate, and recommend water supply, demand, and quality management strategies within a region. The forum will engage interested stakeholders in addressing water needs and water planning. The State Water Plan Advisory Committee is a group of engaged stakeholders who represent a variety of interests from policy to environmental considerations that are guiding the
of Water Resources. Utah Division of Water Resources, PO Box 146201, Salt Lake City, UT, 84114-6201, USA Contact: candicehasenyager@utah.gov
September 2019
VOLUME 21 - NUMBER 5 | 9
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