EDEN — As demand to develop in the Ogden Valley has surged, so too have worries about whether the area has enough water to accommodate new residents.

How to manage the sewage created by a growing population has also been a big question mark.

Now a pair of studies delving into the issues are complete and will be formally presented to the public next week. The gathering is set for Wednesday starting at 6 p.m. and will be held at Valley Elementary School in Eden.

While prior studies into the Ogden Valley’s water needs “have been useful in understanding the challenges in the valley, few solutions to those challenges have been offered,” consultant Bowen Collins and Associates said on its website. “The goal of this project will be to identify specific solutions that can be implemented to address water needs.”

Bowen Collins worked with the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District on the water study.

Among the challenges in addressing water needs in the Ogden Valley is the large number of independent water providers, according to Bowen Collins. Each is limited in the water it can produce.

The sewer study, sponsored by Weber County with assistance from Sunrise Engineering, focused on “how to improve groundwater quality through sewer management.” Earlier studies have warned that more people and more sewage will require better waste treatment options to assure water quality given the potential for contamination of groundwater by nitrates.

Public input is also being sought. Go to bit.ly/3PsesOM to provide feedback on the sewer question and bit.ly/3OrEEba to sound off on the water issue.

Those interested in taking part in next Wednesday’s meeting may also view it via Zoom. Go to bit.ly/3PvT7Uz for the link. The meeting ID is 840 1660 3342.

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