Water Rights

By 1900 the population of Emery county had doubled from its number 10 years prior. Crops were growing on over 25,000 acres. Rapid expansion brought many problems, including disputes over water rights. The area was plagued by water rights trouble for several decades.

During the 1930's the population dropped significantly as did the coal production. Land degregation and water shortages continued to plague the area and a need for long term water storage became increasingly apparent. In 1941 the Bureau of Reclamation supported construction of a reservoir in Joe's Valley. By 1946, coal production levels were rising rapidly and county farms were bringing in revenues double that of 10 years prior. It wasn't until the Colorado River Storage Project Act of April 11, 1956 that the Emery county project was authorized. On April 4, 1961 the Emery county Water Conservancy District formed and agreed to repay 3/8 of the estimated cost for the project ($8,000,000). Ground breaking for Joe's Valley Dam took place on June 20, 1963. This was the beginning of a solution to long term water storage.