Several alternatives have been considered by the Smithfield Irrigation Company (SIC) to remedy the problems and challenges posed by the existing system. To solve these problems SIC has identified alternatives for their system. The first alternative is metering connections. The second option is to replace or repair sections of pipes that are at risk of leaking. The final alternative for their system is to replace the Black Pipe and redesign all its existing diversion structures for better sediments removal efficiency.
Smithfield Irrigation Company has a goal to reduce water usage by 20% in the next 5 years. This goal was set because of the need to conserve water spurred by Utah’s governor. Utah is no stranger to drought conditions. The Logan River, a source of water for SIC, has been near record lows all summer. Cache County has seen drought conditions each of the past 20 years according to Drought.gov. Therefore, SIC understands that there is a need for water conservation.
Smithfield Irrigation Company was previously required to install meters for all its secondary water connections per the requirements of House Bill (HB) 242. According to the studies conducted by Weber Basin Water Conservancy District from 2012 – 2018 on the effects of secondary meters on consumption, connections with meters used 20 – 30% less than connections without a meter.
However, due to the absence of direct storage facilities within SIC’s system, Sunrise Engineering has been contracted by SIC and successfully applied the metering exemption for SIC’s irrigation system. Instead, SIC commits to complete another water improvements project and strategic metering all its water sources. This water improvements project includes rehabilitating its existing deteriorated Black Pipe, installing a new 12” pressurized pipeline and replacing its five old and low-efficiency diversion structures.