Midvale raises water rates to encourage conservation amid severe drought

MIDVALE — Midvale City leaders are taking action amid severe drought conditions and a record-low snowpack that are straining water supplies across the state. Beginning May 1, residents will have a temporary increase in water costs to encourage conservation. “We’re encouraging people to conserve water as much as they can,” said Mayor Dustin Gettel. Gettel said the approach is designed to encourage voluntary conservation rather than enforce mandatory restrictions. “This is one fee that you have control over,” Gettel said. “Some other cities are doing a little more heavy-handed action of really regulating water usage, and that means going to communities and we don’t want to do that yet.” The move follows a “Level 2 Severe” water supply designation by the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, signaling heightened concern about available water resources.

How the Midvale surcharge works

The city has implemented a 25% drought surcharge on tiered water usage, meaning the increase applies only to the amount of water used — not the base monthly charge, which remains $30. The added surcharge will be reflected in June bills. For example, water previously priced at $1.95 per thousand gallons will now cost $2.44. While the mayor estimates his own bill will rise by about $3, households with heavier outdoor watering could see more significant increases. “The big jump is going to be those who are watering their lawns, doing outdoor watering five to seven days a week,” Gettel said. “We encourage you to water later in the season, water your lawn twice per week instead of 5-7 times a week.”

What residents are being asked to do

City leaders said the goal is to reduce overall water use in Midvale by about 10%. Any additional revenue generated from the surcharge will go toward maintaining the city’s water infrastructure. Officials are urging these changes:

• Delay outdoor watering until May 15, when possible.
• Limit watering to two days per week during the summer.
• Prioritize trees, plants, and gardens over lawns.
• Reduce current watering schedules by at least one day.
• Look for water leaks around your home. You can contact the City for remote assistance.

City operations are also adjusting. Routine irrigation of public spaces will be delayed until mid-May, with limited watering in high-use areas as needed. However, sod at the cemetery may be watered as needed.

Temporary measure

Midvale implemented a similar surcharge in 2022, which was lifted once drought conditions improved. Officials said this latest increase will also be temporary. “No one likes to see a bill higher than they’re used to,” Gettel said. “But during this Level 2 Severe drought, we need to band together and help each other out.” Residents who are concerned about affording the increased costs can contact the city for assistance. Midvale offers more information about water use and conservation at their website.

Related: Water provider to lease water to Great Salt Lake amid record-low snowpack

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