Reservoirs

The district currently owns and operates five reservoirs and has plans to construct more in the future. Combined, the existing reservoirs have the capacity to store in excess of 100,000 acre feet (nearly 33 billion gallons) of surface water.

The primary function of the reservoirs is to supply culinary and secondary water for Washington County’s residents, but they offer countless recreational, environmental, financial and social benefits as well.

Sand Hollow Reservoir

  • 51,360 acre feet storage capacity
  • Off-stream reservoir
  • Stores water from the Virgin River
  • Completed in 2002
  • Cost $37.3 million

Sand Hollow Reservoir is uniquely located on a natural Navajo sandstone aquifer with an underground storage capacity in excess of 300,000 acre feet. Approximately 4,500 to 11,000 acre feet seep into this underground storage area annually.

In 2003, the 20,000-acre Sand Hollow State Park opened to the public and is one of the state’s most visited destinations, generating millions of dollars in state revenues annually. The park allows ample opportunities for a wide variety of aquatic recreation, including swimming, skiing, boating and fishing as well as scenic terrain for cyclists, off road vehicle riders and equestrians.

Visit www.Utah.com or call 435.680.0715 for information on the state park and recreational opportunities.

Quail Creek Reservoir

  • 40,325 acre feet storage capacity
  • Off-stream reservoir
  • Stores water from the Virgin River
  • Completed in 1984
  • Cost $23.5 million

Quail Creek Reservoir was the first storage project to provide for culinary water deliveries. One year after its completion, the reservoir opened to the public as a state park. It is a popular boating, camping and fishing area – generating millions in state revenues annually.

Visit www.Utah.com or call 435.879.2378 for information on the state park and recreational opportunities.

Gunlock Reservoir

  • 10,884 acre foot capacity
  • On-stream reservoir
  • Stores water from the Santa Clara River, a tributary of the Virgin River
  • Completed in 1970

Gunlock reservoir was developed by irrigation companies for agriculture needs and is still used today as a secondary water source. The site remains one of Utah’s most quaint reservoirs and state parks, offering 549-acres of open space for boating, fishing and primitive camping opportunities.

Visit www.Utah.com or call 435.680.0715 for information on the state park and recreational opportunities.

Kolob Reservoir

  • 5,586 acre foot capacity
  • Off-stream reservoir
  • Stores water collected in the Virgin River watershed
  • Completed in 1956

The district purchased the reservoir and adjacent land in 1995. A recreational plan was developed in 1996 making the area a popular seasonal destination for boaters, fishers, campers, hikers, photographers and other outdoor recreational enthusiasts.

Ivins Reservoir

  • 778 acre foot capacity
  • Off-stream reservoir
  • Stores water from the Santa Clara River, a tributary of the Virgin River
  • Completed in 1918

Ivins reservoir was built by the early Mormon settlers and is used primarily for irrigation. The reservoir is a scenic spot for boating, fishing and enjoying wildlife habitat. It stores water as part of the Santa Clara Project Agreement.

Toquer Reservoir (future)

Toquer Reservoir is a planned 115-acre, 3,640-acre-foot reservoir planned as part of the Ash Creek Project, an approximately $94 million project currently under construction.

Warner Valley Reservoir (potential future)

Warner Valley Reservoir is a long-term project with no currently foreseeable timeline. The reservoir has been considered by those tasked with securing water for Washington County’s growing population and economy for more than 50 years. There are several technical and engineering challenges that must be overcome before the project can move forward. For example, the reservoir would store Virgin River water that is unsuitable for culinary and landscape irrigation due to contamination from local natural hot springs. Treatment would require reverse osmosis technology, which is expensive and creates complicated environmental impacts. Its anticipated technology will offer more cost effective and environmentally friendly solutions to reverse osmosis and the other issues associated with Warner Valley Reservoir in the future.