Utah Division of Water Resources / Washington County Water Conservancy District

The Utah Division of Water Resources and the Washington County Water Conservancy District are working to advance the several-billion-dollar Lake Powell Pipeline project to move water from the Colorado River at Lake Powell to one of the fastest-growing regions of the country — southern Utah. The project is among the most controversial proposed water infrastructure projects in the American West, drawing intense opposition from environmental groups, Colorado River compact advocates, and national media, while simultaneously commanding broad support from local communities, elected officials, and business leaders who see it as essential to the region's long-term water security.

Sigler was retained to develop and execute a sustained public affairs and community support program in a politically and environmentally charged environment. The work required translating highly technical water policy, hydrology, and federal permitting processes into clear, accessible communications that could build genuine understanding and support among diverse Utah audiences. Sigler understood Utah's unique political, community, environmental, and growth dynamics — and built a strategy that spoke to those realities rather than around them.

Working in collaboration with the government affairs team, we prepared the messaging and communications channels — including a website, social media posts, fact sheets, videos, an animated map, infographics, facts-versus-fiction collateral and white papers — to equip an organized base of supporters to advocate for the project at the federal, state and local levels. Sigler built an ally network in St. George and throughout the state, bringing together stakeholders around a shared understanding of the region's water needs.

Despite well-organized and well-funded opposition, the project secured more than 1,000 support letters submitted to the Bureau of Reclamation during the federal EIS. Support letters were submitted by local residents, the entire federal delegation, state representatives, business leaders, local chambers and other water providers throughout Utah. BLM has currently paused permitting until Colorado River compact issues are resolved.