New technology offers hope for Emery’s water woes, as a private company has proposed providing the town with water as a byproduct of deep-well mineral extraction. This proposed solution comes with no upfront cost to the town.
Mayor Funk stated that the technology is already in use in locations such as Saudi Arabia, California, and Minnesota. The state has also approved this method. Members of the Utah State Legislature recently visited Emery to discuss the town’s water challenges. While a planned mountain tour was canceled due to rain, legislators reviewed maps and pictures of the area. Funk described the meeting as productive, hinting at potential funding opportunities, though acknowledging the process will demand significant effort.
The proposed water extraction process involves a drilling method similar to that used in oil production. The project is estimated to take between six to 12 months to complete. Emery would retain water rights to any water generated through this process. Mayor Funk suggested retaining attorney Thomas Sitterud to scrutinize the company’s proposal and ensure the town faces no liability during the drilling operations. Jones & DeMille could also provide technical assistance, though a potential conflict of interest was noted by Funk.
Councilmember Melissa Durfey voiced concerns regarding her exclusion from the initial meeting with the company, emphasizing the need for information before legal counsel is engaged. Funk clarified that the meeting, held two to three weeks prior, involved the town’s Water Task Force. He mentioned the company has two decades of experience in similar operations and approached Emery after learning of its water shortage.
Durfey expressed further concern about the limited information available to the council and the public, particularly regarding the water source. She highlighted the significance of water to Emery residents and advocated for an open meeting to discuss the proposal. Durfey then departed the meeting, announcing the approval of the Community Impact Board grant.
Following Durfey’s departure, Funk reiterated that Water Task Force meetings are open to the public and that meeting minutes are accessible. City Recorder Kris Ashley proposed scheduling a public meeting. The mayor and council agreed to enhance communication with residents by sharing additional information via the town website and newsletter. Funk thanked residents for their water conservation efforts and acknowledged the recent rainfall.
In other town business, McKlayne Beagley reported on his experience at Utah Boys State, where he participated in legislative processes and served as mayor. Councilmember Hansen provided a quarterly financial review, indicating that 35 percent of the town’s budget has been utilized. New heaters for the community center were purchased, and a significant insurance payment was made from the budget. Hansen noted that town finances are stable.
Hansen also mentioned potential dates for the next year’s town celebration, which may coincide with the county fair. July 27 will mark the 125th anniversary dedication of the church building. A survey will be distributed to determine citizen preferences for the town celebration dates. Bingo is scheduled to resume in January, and craft nights are also being planned.
Work is progressing on the flagpole. At a planning and zoning meeting, the code book was reviewed chapter by chapter to ensure compliance with state law. New language concerning water is being developed for the general plan, with a public hearing planned before the next council meeting to discuss these updates. The new language will encompass the pursuit of all available water sources.
Staff reports indicated that 450 plants have been planted. The town is also working with a company on a reverse 911 call system to disseminate town-related messages, such as water breaks and events. Efforts are underway to explore options for sending mass texts to citizens, though Mayor Funk raised concerns about ensuring elderly residents without cell phones receive these notifications. The town is considering a newsletter as an alternative communication method.
Kris Ashley reported that the old post office roof requires replacement, with bids received. However, the work must be postponed until insurance adjusters assess the damage in November. Mayor Funk instructed staff to implement a temporary fix using tarps in the interim. The next town council meeting is scheduled for November 11 at 7 p.m.
The proposed mineral extraction technology, which has precedent in locations like Saudi Arabia, represents a potential avenue for addressing Emery’s water scarcity.
