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RIVERTON — A reverse osmosis water filter just might be the best thing Amanda Gallacher ever bought.
Otherwise, she would have to buy stock in bottled water.
"The Riverton water has been terrible tasting my whole life and everybody knows it,” said Gallacher.
Many Riverton residents have been complaining about the city’s well water for decades.
“Taste has always been an issue for many people and I grew up out here as a child in the area where we had the hardest water of all,” said Ken Gallacher, Amanda’s father in-law. “There is definitely a difference.”
However, that could soon change.
This past Monday, the Riverton’s entire culinary water supply was switched from city wells to Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District water.
It’s a sort of a taste test for a month.
This Friday, ballots are being sent to Riverton residents asking them if they want the switch to be permanent.
"It is a big project for the city and we're excited about it,” said Angie Trammell, Riverton City’s spokesperson. “This is an issue that has come up in our city in the past and our council members are very dedicated to try and be responsive to those desires and really find out what people want to do in the end."
Several open houses have been held about the issue and more are planned for the future.
Ballots have to be returned in the enclosed self-addressed, postage-paid envelope by Dec. 8. Those ballots are being counted by a third-party balloting service.
Taste has always been an issue for many people and I grew up out here as a child in the area where we had the hardest water of all.
–Ken Gallacher, Amanda's father in-law.
Results of the balloting will be announced Dec. 16 during the city council meeting.
Then, Riverton’s city council will make a decision.
“We want to hear from all our residents. When their ballot comes in the mail, they will be able to make a choice. Their vote counts,” said Trammell.
Of course, cost is a concern.
Riverton water has a flat fee for customers up to 10,000 gallons a month. Prices go up on a tiered structure pay scale after that.
The cost of Jordan Valley Water would be based on how much water is used.
"It could go either way. A family who uses maybe less water, their bill could go down. A family who uses more water, it could go up,” said Trammell.
It all comes down to taste, and if decades of complaining about that taste is worth switching.
"People are going to have to weigh this decision very carefully,” said Ken Gallacher. “What we decide today will affect generations to come."
If a switch is made, it will take effect July 1, 2015.
For more information on cost comparison charts, water hardness classifications, city timetables, open houses, and other fact sheets, click on this link to the Riverton City Culinary Water Alternatives page.
