Kaysville warns water may run out by August amid restrictions

KAYSVILLE, Utah (KUTV) — Residents in Kaysville have been told to brace for a dry summer — the city said in a post that the water supply may only last through August.

As part of the water restrictions, the city of Kaysville announced the splash pad will be closed for the summer, and other areas may look a little drier as officials prioritize certain green spaces.

“Every community is in the same boat. This isn’t just a Kaysville issue, and I think people need to understand just how realistic the possibility is that irrigation is not available and what that’s going to mean for landscaping,” said Josh Belnap, public works director for the city of Kaysville.

Because of the record-low snowpack, Kaysville warned residents to prepare for the possibility that irrigation water could run out by mid-August if conservation efforts aren’t made.

“This is unprecedented,” Belnap said.

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Part of the plan to save water is to focus watering on communal spaces like the cemetery and athletic fields, and to close the splash pad for the season.

“I think it’s really sad,” said Sarah De Leon. “I know me and my family, we come every summer to the splash pad and stuff like that, but I think it’s necessary for us to conserve water.”

Many community members responded to the city’s post with questions, so 2News brought those concerns to the city.

“I think, in general, places where you’re going to see a lot of community gathering — athletic fields — you’re going to have a large volume of people coming to one place to use the area. I think the cemetery would be the same thing,” Belnap said.

“The obvious answer is we’re trying to respect the people who are buried there, as well as the loved ones who come to remember them. Athletic fields — you’re more prone to injury if you’re dealing with dry grass and dry soil conditions,” Belnap explained.

“Can the city modify hours for the splash pad instead of shutting it down completely?” 2News asked.

“So that’s being talked about with the council right now — what are the options, if there are any? Obviously, shutting down the splash pad is a worst-case scenario,” Belnap said.

The city said it is trying to balance being responsible while still providing amenities.

“We’re not trying to make life miserable for people,” Belnap said.

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