Do we have enough water for Orem’s future needs? Is our water safe? What are we doing to conserve water? These are all questions we hear from residents. Since we live in a desert and water is such a topic of concern, I’d like to share a brief update on the state of Orem’s water system and address some of these common questions.
Water Supply
Orem is in an excellent position regarding its water supply. Thanks to the foresight and planning of our city forefathers, Orem has sufficient water for today and through total buildout… even in times of drought.
Our water supply is also well-diversified, ensuring we are not overly dependent on any single source. We receive water from both the Deer Creek and Jordanelle reservoirs and from natural springs in Provo Canyon. In addition, the city operates nine wells to draw water from the aquifer, with one more well under development and another one planned to ensure an even more reliable supply.
We are currently building a 10-million-gallon water tank in central Orem, which will provide crucial operational and emergency water storage. We’re following the excellent example of our city forefathers to ensure the continued success of our water system for generations to come.
Water Quality
Water quality is one of Orem’s top priorities. We conduct 24/7, 365 monitoring to guarantee that the water reaching your home is fresh, clean, and safe.
Last year, the City of Orem passed the Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s Drinking Water Sanitary Survey with a perfect score. This extensive inspection occurs evtise of our water system team, who deserve to be commended for their excellence in maintaining such high standards.
Water Conservation
Although Orem has an abundant water supply, we are committed to using it wisely. To empower residents and businesses, we’ve installed automated meter infrastructure for all 24,000+ properties in the city. These meters allow you to monitor your water usage in real-time and receive alerts if a leak is detected, helping you save time, money, and, of course, water. Many residents have already benefited from this service, avoiding potentially costly repairs and water waste.
Looking ahead, the city is making a significant investment of $20 million in an independent water reuse facility. This facility will conserve drinking water by redirecting tertiary water to irrigate our city parks and golf course, saving over 175 million gallons of fresh water annually. Additionally, it will reduce phosphorus levels in treated water released into Utah Lake, improving the lake’s environmental quality and helping to prevent harmful algae blooms that affect both water quality and wildlife.
Conclusion
Orem is a leader in water stewardship. Our city’s legacy is one of careful, forward-thinking water planning, and we have a proven track record of making wise, sustainable decisions. Water is foundational to everything we do. Our team’s commitment to excellence is visible every day. They proudly wear the insignia “H2Orem” on their uniforms, which serves as a daily reminder of the 100,000+ residents and visitors who are counting on us to deliver fresh, clean water.
We’re not just maintaining a system—we’re sustaining life. With thoughtful management, continued innovation, and a steadfast commitment to conservation, Orem’s water system is positioned to thrive for generations to come. Thank you for trusting us with this essential resource.
We’ll see you next month.
