The Duchesne Chamber of Commerce will host the 2010 Water Summit on Feb. 11 at the Crossroads Senior and Community Center.

Irene Hansen, director of the Duchesne County Area Chamber of Commerce, was approached by Randy Crozier of the Duchesne Water Conservancy District about the need for a conference to update citizens on Basin water issues.

“He felt there were so many issues going on both as far as opportunities for culinary water development as well as things that were being done in the irrigation sector as well as mandates and other legislative things that were coming down from the state of Utah that he just felt like that this was the time that we just needed to continue a water conference annually,” Hansen said.

Representatives of local, state and federal agencies have been invited, she said.

“We decided to make it a one-day conference instead of two,” Hansen said.. “We wanted to use people’s time very wisely. We also wanted speakers to have the option of coming in the same day.”

The conference will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature Michael Styler, executive director for the Utah Department of Natural Resources, as the keynote speaker.

“Styler is a very important person,” Hansen said. “He’s involved in every aspect of land use including water development. So we’re very lucky to have him.”

Breakout sessions will be offered, including topics such as drinking water, board training, canal safety law and water measurement.

“We are doing one on drinking water,” Hansen said. “Anyone who works for a division or district, they have to have so many continuing education credits every year so this will function for them as part of what they have to have.

“We have a lot of canal groups and water districts too whose boards of directors face certain liabilities,” Hansen continued. “We’ve lived in simple times where we’ve hoped that’s been limited, but I think we’re entering into a time where knowing exactly what your liability issues are as a water district and as a board of directors is very critical. We expect the best attended session will be on board training and liability issues as well as canal safety law.”

Golden Shovel awards will be presented to leaders from Duchesne, Uintah and Daggett counties who have made a difference in the water industry.

County representatives will give updates about water projects.

“The other component of the conference is the fact that each county has a water conservancy district,” Hansen said. “So they’re going to be giving updates specifically about their own county districts and what’s been done and what’s going on.”

Randy Crozier will be doing the report for Duchesne County, Carol Gardner for Daggett County and Gawain Snow for Uintah County, she said.

The summit is open to anyone interested in Basin water issues. Pre-register by Feb. 5 for $20 or after Feb. 5 or at the door for $30. Registration includes all sessions and lunch. Scholarships are available for those who can't afford the $20 fee.

“It’s going to be a fun event and we have some great sponsors,” Hansen said. “I’ve been to these in the past and have thoroughly enjoyed them. Water has become so important to our growth and our future prosperity that it’s something we really need to be informed about. It’s our lifeblood and it’s the key to growth both in the energy sector and in our community sector. Without it we are in big trouble. So the discussion just needs to continue and we invite everyone.”

For more information and registration forms, call the Duchesne chamber at (435) 722-4598 or the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce at (435) 789-1352.

“This is just something that needs to be on everybody’s radar screen whether or not they need to conference or not,” Hansen said. “Water is vitally important.”