ST. GEORGE — Efforts to conserve water in Ivins have drawn kudos from the top officials in the state. The city of Ivins has been honored by the Utah governor’s office with its 2023 Water Conservation Award. 

Ivins Mayor Chris Hart and Public Works Director Chuck Gillette accepted the award from Gov. Spencer Cox during the One Utah Summit in Cedar City on Oct. 3. 

According to the city, it has reduced water usage by 38% per capita since the year 2000. That reduction came as the city’s population has increased by 105% according to the U.S. Census.

“It feels nice to be recognized,” Gillette told St. George News. “It certainly does motivate Ivins City to continue down the path of conservation.”

That motivation may come in handy as the city is debating a new water conservation plan that aims to curb water usage by another 10% by 2032 by utilizing more real-time water metering. A public hearing on that plan will take place at the Ivins City Council’s meeting on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.  

Ivins drew national attention when in February a report on CNN touted Ivins as a “model of smart water management.” The city also held a water town hall meeting in February. 

It is the second time Ivins has received the award, having also won it in 2018.

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