This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
When Gov. Gary Herbert met with Snake Valley citizens, he explained the state's position on the proposed water-sharing agreement with Nevada ("Governor discusses water battle in Snake Valley," Tribune, March 21). The belief here is that he allow water to be pumped to Las Vegas.
If the pact is signed, Utah will have lost the battle to keep its lawful share of the water in Snake Valley. The question will no longer be how best to protect the resources and water rights in Snake Valley. It will be what percent each state is entitled to, regardless of the consequences.
One of the greatest ecological mistakes is in Owens Valley, Calif., from where the Los Angeles aqueduct took its water and springs dried up and groundwater-dependent vegetation died. Let us not repeat this mistake.
Already, our water table is falling, springs are drying up and we are in a water deficit. We see evidence of this everywhere. Will there be enough water to protect the water rights and life here in Snake Valley?
Let us first use the best science available to answer such fundamental questions. Let us not rush into a mistake that cannot be corrected.
Cecil Garland
Callao