WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SOUTH UTAH DESERT

The entire Zion Shores development, including surf lagoons and pools, is expected to use an estimated 30 million gallons of water annually. By comparison, a typical golf course in Southern Utah uses 120–150 million gallons per year (up to 5x more water). Even still, water is a very precious resource, especially in Southern Utah. The concept of a surf park in the desert has understandably turned the heads of those concerned about the region’s public water supply and long-standing drought status. How can a surf park be built in the middle of the south Utah desert without compromising the area’s water supply? 

The answer lies in an alternate independent water resource already found on the development site itself that does not draw from public drinking or irrigation supplies. Zion Shores surf lagoons will be filled with non-potable brackish water from private onsite wells. Brackish water has a high salt content that is unfit for drinking or irrigation use, but when treated, is perfectly safe for recreational use. We will not be using any public water supply to fill our surf pools or lagoons. We’re ultimately utilizing a water source that would otherwise remain untapped — not drawing from the culinary or agricultural supply that local residents rely on. A closed-loop recirculation system will also keep the lagoon clean while reducing the need for refills. Evaporation is mitigated using advanced technology and best practices from industry leaders. We've worked closely with Cloward H2O, a global expert in aquatic systems, to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Zion Shores development team is comprised largely of Utah residents. We care deeply for the well being of this great state. Zion Shores will be utilizing an otherwise unusable resource in existing brackish water. We are heavily investing into treatment and sustainability of that resource, and turning it into a world-class surf and recreation amenity that will benefit the southern Utah community for generations to come.

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