Abstract

The Central Utah Project is an ambitious attempt to maximize the use of Utah’s share of Colorado River water. By agreement with other Colorado River states, the state of Utah is entitled to approximately 1 million acre feet of Colorado River runoff per year. A majority of Utah’s share of this water originates within the Uinta Mountains, but much of it drains into the Colorado River and out of the state. The Central Utah Project will tap this lost water source so that it can be more effectively utilized within the Uinta Basin as well as be diverted westward across the Wasatch Divide and into the water deficient area of the Wasatch Front. To accomplish this a series of storage reservoirs, diversion dams, canals, aqueducts and tunnels are being constructed. Power plants and water treatment facilities will also be put into operation and further benefits will arrive through flood control and recreational benefits. Of all the components which will go to make up the Central Utah Project none of them are new or unique to modern technology. However, the molding of the project’s dozens of components and facilities into one working whole accomplishing one united goal distinguishes this endeavor as a marvel of our day.