Fusible PVC® pipe used to cross the Virgin River

The Virgin River is a tributary of the Colorado River and flows through some of the most scenic and arid environments in the United States. Measuring approximately 162 miles long, the river’s headwaters begin at the Navajo Reservoir in the Dixie National Forest north of Zion National Park in Utah. The river flows through Utah, northwest Arizona and southwest Nevada with the last 30 miles of the river forming the north arm of Lake Mead.

Among the many challenges of crossing the river with a utility installation are navigating the delicate desert ecosystem, securing the required environmental permits, handling the flash flood potential and cobble strewn soil conditions, among other concerns. But crossing the river with a new water transmission pipeline was quickly becoming a necessity due to population growth in the area. Virgin Valley Water District (VVWD) required a replacement water supply line to transport potable water from water supply diversion points south of the Virgin River to storage facilities and users north of the river.

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