Riverton Insider Newsletter - April 2026

Official Newsletter of the Riverton City Government

BY RIVERTON MAYOR TISH BUROKER

Water: More Than Meets the Eye

• Our city runs on a massive, hidden underground

• Secondary water saves money while keeping Riverton green.

• Mountain snow and local wells keep our taps flowing.

Before becoming an elected official, I could drive around Riverton without thinking about all the necessary infrastructure that we walk, drive, and live on. Now, I am always thinking about the miles and miles of pipes beneath my feet and the wheels of my car. There are pipes in the ground for secondary water, culinary water, and stormwater. And this is not all. There is also sewage, fiber, cable, and electrical. It is a network of connectivity that we all depend on.

This month, I would like to discuss secondary water. Riverton’s irrigation water system (also called secondary water) provides a lower-grade water source for outside use, which is a tremendous financial savings when compared to culinary use. It was built in the early 2000s. We have 182 miles of pressurized irrigation pipe, 2,581 valves, three reservoirs, and water shares in the Jordan River. Recently, there has been a four-year project to install

meters so that usage can be measured. This project has been mandated by the Legislature. That project is basically complete, except in some smaller residential areas and PUDs. It is hoped that, with increased awareness of their usage, residents will be mindful of this precious and limited resource.

Our secondary water comes to Riverton via a network of canals, the Jordan River, and a well. The canal companies decide when to begin filling the canals, independent of Riverton City, and make this decision based on water availability for the entire growing season. The primary source of water for the canals is Utah Lake. The primary source of water for Utah Lake is reservoirs and mountain snowpack. This year, Deer Creek is 80% full and Jordanelle is 60% full. There is very little additional filling expected due to a lack of snowpack in the mountains, which

typically melts and enters the system by July.

The canal companies are expected to begin releasing water into the canals around April 15. It will take about two weeks for the ponds and pipes to be filled, making water available to residents around May 5. Residents on the west side of Riverton may experience some availability sooner as the well is engaged. Secondary water is not an unlimited supply and is determined by the amount of water that is available. Water conservation helps ensure that irrigation water is available throughout the entire growing season.

I am appreciative of our public works team that keeps this system maintained and functioning every year. Your city is focused on one of the primary reasons a city exists: to provide essential services. Secondary water is one of those important services.q

IN THIS ISSUE

• Water: More Than Meets the Eye

• A History Worth Preserving

• How to Contact the Police for Assistance

• Free Arbor Day Tree Planting Class

UPCOMING EVENTS

See Back Page for Details

• Spring Clean Days April 11 & 18

• Riverton Bunny Hop

• Teen Flashlight Hunt

• Start Smart Sport Program for Kids 3-5 Years Old

UPCOMING

CITY MEETINGS

CITY COUNCIL April 7 & 21, 7 p.m.

PLANNING COMMISSION April 9 & 23, 6:30 p.m.

REPORT A PROBLEM

Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report

CONTACT US 801-254-0704

FOLLOW US ONLINE!

@rivertonutahgov

ELECTED OFFICIALS

MAYOR

Tish Buroker tburoker@rivertonutah.gov

COUNCIL DISTRICT 1

Andy Pierucci apierucci@rivertonutah.gov

COUNCIL DISTRICT 2

Troy McDougal tmcdougal@rivertonutah.gov

COUNCIL DISTRICT 3

Alexander Johnson ajohnson@rivertonutah.gov

COUNCIL DISTRICT 4

Shannon Smith ssmith@rivertonutah.gov

COUNCIL DISTRICT 5

Spencer Haymond shaymond@rivertonutah.gov

A History Worth Preserving

Key Takeaways

• Riverton’s history lives through families, landmarks, and shared community stories.

• Growth should balance preservation to protect Riverton’s character and heritage.

• Community involvement ensures Riverton’s history is preserved for future generations.

Whenever you drive past the Riverton Cemetery, or past the older homes dotted along Redwood Road, you are looking at pieces of Riverton’s history. For many families, those places are not just landmarks; they are part of a living legacy. My own family’s roots in Riverton run as deep as the city itself. My fourth great-grandfather, Henry Seal, came to Riverton from Dorset, England, and was laid to rest in the Riverton Cemetery in 1900. Since then, every generation of my family has called Riverton home. Just over five months ago, my wife, Sara, and I welcomed our daughter, Opal—our family’s eighth generation—into this amazing community.

Families like mine were part of Riverton’s earliest story. Settlers lived along the Jordan River in simple dugout homes, working together to build irrigation systems that made farming possible. What was once known as Gardnersville slowly grew into a thriving agricultural community. Schools, churches, and roads followed, laying the foundation for the Riverton we know today.

It is easy to focus on the Riverton we know today: more than 45,000 people, almost 2,000 commercial and home-

based businesses, thriving schools, neighborhoods, and a family-focused community. But everything we enjoy today was built on a foundation of hard work, cooperation, and that strong sense of community. Preserving our history is about understanding where we came from so we can grow thoughtfully and maintain the character that makes so many of us proud to call Riverton home.

Much of that preservation happens quietly through the Riverton Historic Preservation Commission, where I had the opportunity to serve before joining the City Council. The Commission plays a crucial role in helping identify, preserve, protect, and enhance the buildings, sites, and landmarks that tell Riverton’s story. From maintaining the city’s historic sites list to reviewing changes to designated properties, the Commission helps ensure that our city’s growth and preservation go hand in hand.

Many long-time residents, like my grandparents, remember a very different Riverton along Redwood Road. In some cases, we didn’t do enough to preserve those historic places. That reality underscores why this work

matters today. As our city nears full build-out, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to learn from the past and ensure we protect and celebrate the historic places in our city that remain.

One important step forward last year was updating the Historic Homes Register, reducing the age requirement from 75 years to 50 years. That change has opened the door for more homes and properties to be recognized, giving residents the opportunity to take pride in their homes and preserve their piece of Riverton’s history. The Commission has also begun a Riverton City Oral History Project, asking thoughtful questions to long-time residents about their life experiences here and the stories they’d like to share and pass down to new generations.

Preserving our history isn’t something only the Commission can do. The most meaningful stories in Riverton aren’t just the buildings and homes on our historic register—it is our people. Family histories, photographs, and personal experiences all help shape how future generations will understand our wonderful community.q

How to Contact the Police for Assistance

We encourage citizens to add the Police dispatch non-emergency number, 801-840-4000 to your cell phone

Key Takeaways

• Program 801-840-4000 into your phone now for all non-emergency police or animal help.

• Always dial 911 immediately for any life-threatening emergencies.

• Contacting VECC Dispatch directly is the fastest way to get a Riverton officer ’s assistance.

We have noticed that several citizens have been concerned about how to contact the police for assistance. I encourage everyone to call VECC (Valley Emergency Communications Center) Dispatch for immediate help with non-emergency issues, rather than using alternative resources to inform the Riverton Police Department.

To clarify, if you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 for medical or law enforcement assistance. For non-emergency matters, including animal services,

please call 801-840-4000 to reach a VECC dispatcher who can assist you.

The Riverton Police Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community and is here to provide you with the necessary contact information. We appreciate your cooperation and urge you to reach out to VECC dispatch if you need law enforcement support.

Please add the VECC dispatch non-emergency number, 801840-4000 to your cell phone

contacts for easy access in case you need assistance.

Text Alerts

n rivertonutah.gov/alerts

Get important traffic alerts, emergency updates, and city info with Riverton’s all new text alerts. Text JOIN (and your email) to 530-456-9523

Social Media

n @rivertonutahgov

Connect with Riverton City to get quick updates, essential information, event details and more on the platforms you use.

Residents can request a free fridge magnet with Riverton Police numbers, visit rivertonutah.gov/magnet or click the QR code, complete the form and we will mail you one for free.q

Free Tree Planting Workshop

Join Riverton City’s free annual Arbor Day Tree Planting Workshop and uncover the secrets to successful tree planting! Urban forester and ISA Certified Arborist Patrick “Roman” Williams will guide you through the best tree species for Riverton’s soil, provide a live planting demonstration, and answer all your tree care questions.

Plus, don’t miss the chance to win a free tree in our raffle at the end of the workshop! Free and open to all.

Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. at City Hall Park (behind City Hall), 12825 S 1830 W, Riverton

n rivertonutah.gov/app

Report a problem, see the city calendar, get directions to parks and city facilities, and find city information right from your mobile device.

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Get the latest city updates, e-newsletters, event information and other news delivered right to your inbox.

Spring Clean Days Are Here - April 11 & 18

Riverton City is sponsoring two Spring Clean Days with community dumpsters at two locations. Residents are invited to spruce up their yards and homes those days and dispose of waste at the community dumpsters for free. Visit rivertonutah.gov/beautiful to learn more.

• Saturday, April 11 & 18 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Two Locations: Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S and Western Springs Park, 4570 W Goshute Drive

Riverton

A Few Spring Clean Rules

• Proof of Riverton residency

• Residents are responsible for unloading their own vehicles

• No appliances

• No electronic waste

• No hazardous waste

• No mattresses or box springs.

• No tires

Visit rivertonutah.gov/beautiful to learn more and see all the details on what can, and what cannot, be placed into the dumpsters.

City Annual Bunny Hop Teen Flashlight Hunt

Join us for a fun Easter tradition at the Riverton Bunny Hop! Families can stroll through Riverton City Park, visiting stations to collect candy, win prizes, and enjoy Easter-themed activities. The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance for photos and quick visits with the kids. Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m., Riverton City Park. Visit rivertonutah.gov/easter for details.

Spring Start Smart Sports Program

This program helps children and parents develop the skills necessary to have a positive start with sports. Parents will work one-onone with their children during four 1-hour classes which start April 28.

• rivertonutah.gov/startsmart

Pickleball League Registration Opens

Register today, play begins in April. Players sign up individually and play in groups of 4 to 5 players in this 4-week ladder league. Learn more online at the address below.

• April 7-28

• Visit rivertonutah.gov/pickleball

Back by popular demand taking the place of the Teen Egg-streme Chase, teens will search for Easter eggs in a completely darkened rodeo arena. Once all the eggs are found, the lights come back on and eggs can be redeemed for fun prizes. Don’t forget to bring your flashlight and something to hold your eggs and treats! Friday, April 3, 2026 9 p.m. at the Riverton Rodeo Arena.

Town Days Parade Entry Open

Enter your orginization in the Riverton Town Days Parade. It’s one of the largest and best local parades in Utah, drawing many thousand spectators each year!

• Parade Friday, July 3, 2026

• Visit rivertonutah.gov/towndays

Town Days Race Registration Now Open

Register now for this Town Days tradition! It’s a great way to enjoy Independence Day and Town Days Events. Three distances available 1 Mile, 5K and 10K races

• Parade Friday, July 3, 2026

• Visit rivertonutah.gov/towndays