In a press release Thursday, Weber County announced it had received a grant from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality of up to $265,000 to implement a wastewater feasibility study to look at ways to improve water quality in Ogden Valley.

“The purpose of the study is to determine the safest and most effective long-term option for removing wastewater from the Ogden Valley as a regional approach to protecting Pineview Reservoir and local groundwater,” Stephanie Russell, Weber County economic development director, said in the release. “This is responsible, proactive planning — exactly what is expected of local government when facing increased development pressure and known water-quality challenges.”

According to the release, the study is fully funded through a State of Utah Water Quality Board Planning Grant, administered by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Quality.

Weber County Public Relations Manger Jessika Clark said a firm to conduct the study should be chosen in the next couple of months with the feasibility study beginning in early 2026. The study will be conducted in coordination with the Division of Water Quality and Central Weber Sewer Improvement District.

“The study will look at several potential pathways to relocating wastewater generated in the Ogden Valley to the Central Weber Sewer Improvement District’s facility,” Clark said. “The goal is to responsibly phase out septic systems and prevent future risks to Pineview Reservoir and the region’s drinking water supply.”

The press release notes that there are “hundreds” of septic systems that are either aging or poorly located surrounding Pineview Reservoir.

“Failing septic systems can release bacteria such as E. coli and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus into surrounding soils and groundwater,” the release said. “These contaminants contribute to harmful algal blooms, pose health risks and degrade recreational water quality. Pineview Reservoir has already experienced elevated E. coli levels and algal bloom activity, prompting recreational warnings in recent years. Additionally, septic systems located too close to water sources can contaminate groundwater, including drinking water supplies. The study aims to implement a long-term regional solution to address these issues.”

The release goes on to say that the study will look at an upgrade away from septic systems in the area.

“The Weber-Morgan Health Department already requires strict permitting and soil evaluation for septic systems, and homeowners are responsible for maintaining their systems and resolving leaks,” the release said. “However, long-term regional planning requires evaluating whether transitioning portions of Ogden Valley to a centralized sewer system would better protect water quality and public health.”

Clark said the county is happy to see this collaborative effort.

“This approach proactively brings partners together to identify the most cost-effective and efficient solution for managing Ogden Valley’s wastewater,” she said.