Brown Water Woes: Ogden’s Water Fund Dilemma
OGDEN, Utah (KUTV) — The once pristine image of Ogden’s water supply now faces a troubling challenge: brown water streaming from faucets near Ben Lomond High School. For residents, this situation has become an ongoing nightmare that extends weeks, if not months. While the city claims it’s addressing the issue, questions arise about their intentions regarding the water enterprise fund.
The Rising Concern Over Water Quality
Residents in Ogden were recently notified of a controversial proposal that could see a portion of their water funds redirected to other city programs. This comes on the heels of a 16% water rate increase over the next four years. Local resident Zach Leeper voiced his frustration, stating, “Why raise our rates and take that money and apply it to a general fund?” He is not alone—many are determined to voice their opposition.
For more insight into community concerns, check out this report on the brown water issue.
Balancing Act: Prioritizing Water Yet Funding Other Services
City spokesman Mike McBride emphasized the need for a balanced approach: “It’s not to take away from the focus on water, because that’s certainly a priority,” he insisted. The diversion of water funds could potentially support essential services such as fire and police protection. However, residents are left wondering if their health and safety are being compromised in the process.
Ongoing Measures to Improve Water Quality
To tackle the brown water issue, the city has initiated an aggressive initiative to replace aging pipes that contribute to the discoloration. Lacey Allen, who runs a local cafeteria, recently encountered the issue firsthand. "Just a couple of weeks ago, the cold water from my faucets was brown," she recounted. She and her staff found a temporary solution: drawing hot water, which emerged clear, then chilling it with ice.
When asked if running the cold tap longer would clear the issue, Lacey responded, “No, not really. We would let the tap run for a long time, and it was still brown.”
Commitment to Improvement Amid Uncertainty
In response to the city’s ongoing water quality issues, officials have deemed the situation "not acceptable." They have enlisted an engineering firm for consulting and to provide concrete recommendations for improvements. While some pipes have been replaced, residents continue to wonder: when will they see a definitive end to the recurring brown water?
A public hearing regarding the proposal to redirect water funds is set for June 17th. It’s a pivotal moment for Ogden residents to voice their concerns and demand accountability.
This crisis underscores an important conversation about public resources and transparency. Will Ogden prioritize the health of its residents or the overall viability of its services? As the hearing approaches, stay tuned for further developments.
