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Water / Irrigation
| ADDRESS | PHONE | OFFICE HOURS |
| 646 W 600 N Hurricane, UT 84737 |
Office: (435) 635-9442 FAX: (435) 635-2616 |
Monday - Friday 7 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. |
| CONTACT | TITLE | PHONE | |
| Ken Richins | Superintendent | (435) 635-9442 x101 | Kenr@cityofhurricane.com |
| Steve Cox | Supervisor | (435) 635-9442 x102 | Csteve@cityofhurricane.com |
| Dallan Wadsworth | Supervisor | (435) 635-9442 x103 | Dallanw@cityofhurricane.com |
| Connie Martin | Departmental Admin | (435) 635-9442 x100 | Connie@cityofhurricane.com |
| After Hours Emergency | (435) 627-4999 |
| Water Quality | Backflow | Cross Connection | Thermal Expansion | Irrigation | Conservation |
Billing questions? Please contact the Utility Department at (435) 636-2811 x101
About the Water Department
The Water Department is responsible for the culinary and pressurized irrigation systems for the City of Hurricane. This includes the maintenance of both the Toquerville and Ash Creek springs along with the West Well and Stratton Wells I & II. The Water Department also responsible for maintaining all water lines, valves, pumps, meters, tanks, etc. that make up the water system..
Our water department ensures the quality and safety of the city's water by performing routine chlorination, EPA/DELI required bacteria sampling, and other sampling required by the State.
The City of Hurricane Water Department is a member of the Rural Water Association of Utah (RWAU).
Water Board Meetings
Water Department operations and long range planning are overseen by the Water Board. Meeting information can be found at the Water Board page.
Drinking Water Quality Reports
The Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for Hurricane City can be downloaded from the list below:
More information on State water quality guidelines and issues can be found at the Utah Division of Drinking Water web site.
Backflow Information
Backflow happens when any physical connection or arrangement of piping or fixtures which may allow nonpotable water or industrial fluids or other material of questionable quality to come into contact with potable water inside of a distribution system. If a cross connection cannot be eliminated, protection will be required by installation of an air gap or other approved backflow prevention device in accordance with the plumbing code. All residents deserve clean and safe drinking water. The cooperation of the public is necessary to protect our water supply.
Cross Connection Public Awareness
There are many connections to our water distribution system. When connections are properly installed and maintained, the concerns are very minimal. However, unapproved and improper piping changes or connections can adversely affect not only the availability, but also the quality of the water. A cross connection may let polluted water or even chemicals mingle into the water supply system when not properly protected. This not only compromises the water quality but can also affect your health. So, what can we do? Do not make or allow improper connections at your homes. Even that unprotected garden hose lying in the puddle next to the driveway is a cross connection. The unprotected lawn sprinkler system after you have fertilized or sprayed is also a cross connection. All sprinkler systems connected to the culinary water supply need to be inspected yearly. Please call 635-9442 to arrange for an inspection. When the cross connection is allowed to exist at your home it will affect you and your family first. If you’d like to learn more about helping to protect the quality of our water, call us for further information about ways you can help.
Thermal Expansion
Thermal Expansion occurs when cold water is heated in the hot water heater. As the water heats, it expands and increases the pressure of your system.
Utah Plumbing Code 607.3.2 states that a water system with a backflow device that creates thermal expansion must be equipped with a device for controlling pressure.
Installed on most water heaters there is a high pressure relief valve that will discharge when an excessive water pressure is achieved. This is why hot water heaters are to be installed near a floor drain that will allow the discharged water to flow to the sewer system. If the relief valve on your water heater has been removed or has not been tested annually by yourself or a plumber, trapped water between the water heater and the backflow device can build up excessive pressure. This will cause thermal expansion in the water heater which can cause a rupture to occur. The water heater relief valves should be checked on a regular basis to prevent this from happening.
An alternative protection is the installation of an expansion tank. This tank has a bladder in it that expands as the pressure increases and prevents the water pressure from developing in the first place.
Pressurized Irrigation Water
The City of Hurricane provides pressurized irrigation water for most of the eastern part of the city. Irrigation water comes from various sources throughout the city. The water is screened, but not treated. Because of this, pressurized irrigation water is not drinkable. Residents should take the same precautions they would with any irrigation water that may contain bacteria regularly found in rivers and streams. Do not allow children to play in irrigation water. It is recommended that “kiddie pools” be filled utilizing culinary water from a hose bib attached to the residents' home.
Call the Water office at the above number for information on availability, connecting to irrigation service, and rates.
Water Conservation
Included below are some handy tips and suggestions for conserving water in our desert community.
Indoors:
- Check for and repair leaking faucets, pipes and toilets.
- Install water saving shower heads, toilets, dishwashers and clothes washers.
- Reduce water waste when using faucets and toilets. Don’t let water run while brushing teeth or performing kitchen chores. Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket. Install aerators on all faucets.
- Only wash full loads in the dish and clothes washers and select proper wash cycles.
Outdoors:
- Water only two or three times a week, even in the hottest weather.
- Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering sidewalks, streets, driveways or rock areas.
- Cycle the watering schedule so each sprinkler set runs for two or three shorter times rather than one long period. Allow an hour between each watering cycle so the water will soak deep into the soil.
- Sweep sidewalks and other paved surfaces with a broom rather than using a hose to clean off dirt and debris.
- Adjust lawn mowers to a height of 3 inches. Longer grass prevents the sun from drying out the top soil layer and encourages deep root growth.
- Hand water dry spots in the lawn to avoid over watering the rest of the lawn.
For more water conservation information visit the Washington County Water Conservancy web site or the Utah Water Conservation web site.
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