SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - State officials say Utah's thirst for water over the next 20 years will come with a $13.7 billion price tag, and the state should prepare to pay now rather than wait until taps run dry.
The Deseret News reports the Utah divisions of water quality and water resources have joined other public agencies in compiling a statewide list of water projects and their costs.
Utah Division of Water Quality Director Walt Baker says water systems have set aside money for operations and maintenance, but wholesale replacement is often ignored because of the huge costs.
He says it takes financial savvy, foresight and political will to build a savings account that can help pay for huge infrastructure needs and upgrades to keep pace with growth.
___
Information from: Deseret News
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
