Southern Utah water agency building fake river

ST. GEORGE -- Activists are questioning why the Washington County Water Conservancy District is building a garden and artificial stream at its St. George headquarters.

Citizens for Dixie's Future says the money would be better spent restoring native fish in the Virgin River than showing them off in a fake stream. The group is a frequent critic of the water agency.

Water district officials say the desert garden with its recirculating stream will raise public awareness of the Virgin River.

The district's spokeswoman, Barbara Hjelle tells The Associated Press the project is a small expense compared to the millions of dollars being devoted to improving the Virgin River.