Apple Valley completes new drinking water system

Clean drinking water is finally flowing to homes in Apple Valley’s Cedar Point neighborhood after years of contaminated supply, following completion of a new $3.4 million water system.

Scenic view of Apple Valley, Utah, approximately halfway between Hurricane and Colorado City. Photo by Paul Harrison / CC BY‑SA 4.0

The six-mile pipeline project, finished in July, connects the west-side neighborhood to the town’s east-side aquifer, replacing aging wells that produced discolored, poor-tasting water with elevated levels of radium and other contaminants. According to the Utah Division of Drinking Water, the new source meets all state and federal quality standards.

Mayor Mike Farrar told KJZZ-TV the project marks a turning point for the town. “This changes everything for that neighborhood,” he said.

The pipeline includes more than 31,000 feet of new PVC pipe, multiple valves, and a new booster station equipped with four 15-horsepower vertical centrifugal pumps. A backup generator ensures service during outages, according to engineering documents from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

About 170 homes are now connected to the upgraded system. The Salt Lake Tribune reported that residents had previously endured more than 15 years of unreliable and potentially unsafe water.

The project was funded through a combination of town resources, the Washington County Water Conservancy District, and the Governor’s Office. Town officials credited cooperation between agencies for the project’s fast-track completion.

Farrar said the new system not only improves life for current residents but will support future growth. The upgraded supply is expected to meet the demand of approved developments, including rental cabins and ranch-style parcels. Any new projects must secure water access or help finance additional infrastructure.

The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.