RIVERTONINSIDER
Official Newsletter of the Riverton City Government BY RIVERTON MAYOR TISH BUROKER
Know Your Water: Culinary vs. Secondary
SEPTEMBER 2026
NEWSLETTER NOTICE We will no longer include printed newsletters with utility bills. To reduce costs, align with current communication trends, and improve the efficiency and timing of newsletter distribution, Riverton City will no longer print and include newsletters with utility bills.
Culinary water is commonly called drinking water or potable water and secondary water is referred to as irrigation water.
Key Takeaways • Fireworks restrictions helped Riverton experience just one fireworks-related fire during July. • Culinary water is treated drinking water, while secondary water comes from canals. • Understanding water sources, costs, availability, and rates helps residents conserve and plan. My heartfelt thanks to all of you for complying with the fireworks ban on the Fourth of July. Amazing, and so appreciated. I know it was not a popular decision for all. Hopefully you all enjoyed the 24th. The most important outcome is that there was only one incident of fire due to fireworks in the month of July. I know we have been talking about water consistently. I would like to devote one more message to this important topic and discuss the differences between culinary and secondary water. So, please review the comparisons for a better understanding of these important services. What is it? Culinary: Clean, treated water. Also called drinking or potable water.
Secondary: Secondary water Secondary: There are four comes from the canals which canals in Riverton that feed the are all fed by Utah Lake. It secondary water system. is stored in secondary water basins, such as How does Riverton the fishing pond pay for it? “Understanding located at 3250 Culinary: Riverton the difference W 136805 S. City pays Jordan between culinary and Valley Water Consecondary water Where does it servancy for the wacome from? ter used in Riverton. helps us use both Culinary: RiverThat cost is genresources wisely!” ton obtains our erally $278,000 on water from the average per month. Green Well (10%) and Jordan Valley Water Conservancy Secondary: Riverton does not (90%). Jordan Valley Water pay a monthly bill for secondpurchases their water from the ary water. Instead, Riverton Central Utah Water Conserowns shares. These shares vancy. This water is delivered determine how much water we from major reservoirs such can take from the canals. as Deer Creek. Jordan Valley Water is a large agency that Who controls availability? provides water to other cities Secondary: Riverton does not such as South Jordan, Herricontrol when secondary water man, Bluffdale and others. is available.
RIVERTON INSIDER • SEPTEMBER 2026
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The newsletter will continue to be produced and will remain available on the City’s website. Residents can also receive it through email and view it on the City’s social media channels. Residents who prefer a printed copy may sign up to receive the newsletter by mail at no cost. Printed newsletters will be delivered directly to their mailbox. Visit our website at rivertonutah. gov/newsletter to sign up or scan the QR code.
UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS CITY COUNCIL
September 1 & 15, 7 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION
September 10 & 24, 6:30 p.m. REPORT A PROBLEM Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report CONTACT US 801-254-0704
FOLLOW US ONLINE! @rivertonutahgov PAGE 1
PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE BY OLIVIA ANGULO - CITY RISK MANAGER
Back-to-School Traffic & Driving Safety ELECTED OFFICIALS MAYOR
Tish Buroker
tburoker@rivertonutah.gov
Slow down, stay alert, and always watch for children crossing the streets in school zones.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 - (Far West)
Key Takeaways • Plan ahead, leave early, carpool, and stay patient during school traffic. • Prepare for changing weather by checking conditions and vehicle readiness. • Use headlights, increase following distance, and stay alert after sundown. Andy Pierucci
apierucci@rivertonutah.gov COUNCIL DISTRICT 2 - (North West)
Troy McDougal
tmcdougal@rivertonutah.gov COUNCIL DISTRICT 3 - (South West)
Alexander Johnson
ajohnson@rivertonutah.gov COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 - (North East)
Shannon Smith
ssmith@rivertonutah.gov COUNCIL DISTRICT 5 - (South East)
Spencer Haymond
shaymond@rivertonutah.gov
Scan to see a detailed district map. PAGE 2
It’s that time of year again, the beginning of diminishing sunny evenings, sporadic weather changes and back to school. With these changes comes the dreadful influx of traffic. Traffic is stressful, chaotic and frustrating due to the unknown duration of time. It can defiantly test one’s patience and seems to worsen when winter approaches. To help ease the frustration of traffic, here are some safety tips to help navigate the hectic back-to-school season, weather shifts and early sundown. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, school zone traffic is prone to rear-end collisions. These types of incidents happen due to the frequent sudden stops, distracted driving and poor visibility due to crowds of children and vehicles. Here are some tips that can help navigate the nuances of school traffic congestion. • Have your student take the bus to school in the morning and afternoon.
• Leaving up to 10-15 minutes earlier than scheduled can help you avoid the rush of school zone drop off and pick up. • Maintain a safe distance with the car ahead of you
incident and avoid getting stuck in traffic, here are some suggested safety practices:
• Consider staying home or if its available work from home, this eliminates “According to the driving exposure Utah Department of
Public Safety, school • Connect with • Check road zone traffic is prone to other parents conditions rear-end collisions!” about carpool before leaving, options there’s plenty contributes to of weather and less vehicles on the road map apps for use • Keep your windshield clean and headlights on, other drivers will be able to see you more clearly.
• Avoid any school zones, as they are already experiencing their own traffic
• Be patient and stay in your lane don’t try going around other vehicles
• Take a quick review of your vehicle’s tires, and check your mirrors
Another contributor to traffic is the changing seasonal weather. Utah is known for its rapid temperature changes during the fall. According to Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), in 2023, it was reported that up to 22% of accidents were due to weather related traffic. To reduce the risk of an
• When driving don’t use cruise control, this can cause a delay when breaking, also causes wheel spin. • Wait out bad weather until conditions lighten up With the changing season, drivers will also face traffic
RIVERTON INSIDER • SEPTEMBER 2026
due to daylight changes. Early sundown creates new challenges due to lower visibility and glaring from bright lights. Many drivers tend to drive slower than usual which causes an uneven traffic flow. Here are some great tips to consider along with the other safety tips mentioned, when sundown approaches earlier: • Keep your headlights on, this helps improve visibility
• Keep at a safe distance, as it gets darker it becomes harder to see objects or pedestrians • Avoid looking directly at any bright lights, it can cause temporary blindness or become disoriented Driving requires constant attention, quick decisionmaking, and an awareness of your surroundings. While
traveling on your own schedule offers convenience and flexibility, it also gives you the opportunity to make choices that support a safer journey— for yourself and everyone sharing the road.. Following safety tips can help accept what is ahead and avoid sticking a pedestrian. We all can make driving a little safer on the road.q
We are excited to announce the opening of these new local businesses and wish them great success in Riverton. Wasatch Deck and Rail Supply
3657 W Meadow Spring Lane
Heal Wellness & Innovations
13303 S Teal Ridge Way, #M-200
Oh My Plantain
BY RIVERTON MAYOR TISH BUROKER
13299 S Teal Ridge Way, #PD-J1
Comparing Culinary vs Secondary - Continued from Page 1 The canal companies make this decision, independent of Riverton. The decision is made based on water availability for the entire season and the weather. Why does Riverton have it? Secondary: Riverton developed the secondary water system in the early 2000s knowing that
eventually all cities would be required to develop a secondary water system to conserve culinary water. How are residents charged? Culinary: Residential culinary water is charged based on consumption, per meter. Rates increase by usage tier: Tier 1: $3.85, Tier 2: $6.75, Tier 3: $7.30, and Tier 4: $8.95 per 1,000 gallons.
Secondary: Currently, Riverton charges a flat rate for secondary water based on the size of your property. Once there are meters on all homes in the city, the city may begin charging by usage. This is something the state will require come 2030. Your secondary water fee pays for maintenance of pipes and pumps, filter screens, and manpower. q
Riverton Residents Help Save Water and Win $50! Mayor Buroker invites all Riverton residents to continue to help save water. If every Riverton resident saved just 2 gallons of water per day, it would save nearly 100,000 gallons of water daily! You can help save water and be entered in our contest to win a $50 gift card. CONTEST #1 Water Saving Contest
Every household in Riverton that saves water can enter to win $50.
CONTEST #2 Water Pledge Contest
Anyone over age 13 who takes the Pledge is eligible to win $50.
To enter one or both contests, or learn about easy water saving tips, visit rivertonutah.gov/savewater See full contest rules online at rivertonutah. gov/savewater. Riverton residents only. Chosen by random from eligible entries.
RIVERTON INSIDER • SEPTEMBER 2026
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RECREATION & EVENTS DEPARTMENT
UPCOMING EVENTS
RIVERTONINSIDER
Celebrate Americas 250th at Jordan River Night with a
Free 17.76K Bike Ride
This untimed community ride follows the Jordan River Parkway Trail, starting at Dr. O. Roi Hardy Park, and is part of Jordan River Night. The event is FREE but Registration is required, and space is limited, so sign up early to reserve your spot. Free race t-shirt for the first 100 riders.
Register today at rivertonutah.gov/1776
Utah VW Classic Car Show
Halloween Tour is Back!
I Teach Art Exhibit
Come enjoy Utah’s largest, and best classic VW and early Porsche car show at Riverton City Park! Featuring dozens of amazing classic Volkswagen’s and Porsche’s from all years and models. Come walk around Riverton City Park and enjoy this free event or get some food from the Food Trucks on Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Riverton Halloween Tour is a fun annual tradition that encourages residents to decorate their homes for Halloween and allow others to drive by to see what spooky ideas their neighbors came up with. Tour Dates: October 14-31, 2026 Entry Deadline: Sunday, October 11, at midnight rivertonutah.gov/halloween-tour
Step into the world of creativity and education with ‘I Teach Art’ - an extraordinary exhibit celebrating the talent and passion of our community’s art educators. View artwork created by our local teachers. September 21 - October 21, 2026. The exhibit is open Mon - Wed, Noon - 5 p.m., or by calling 385-237-3421. Visit rivertonutah.gov/exhibits for more information.
Healing Through Nutrition Class
The Pen is Mightier exhibit at the Dome
Sign Up: Community Christmas Choir
New! Utah Mammoth Street Hockey League
Trying to control T2 Diabetes? Maybe you just want to feel better? Learn to keep glucose steady for weight loss, insulin resistance, infertility, and overall wellness in a four-week workshop taught by nutrition educator Laurel Mills. Thursdays in October.
Explore how Revolutionary leaders used printing presses, secret codes, sound, light, and music to inspire action, communicate ideas, and sustain the fight for America’s independence. Exhibit Dates: November 2 December 16, 2026
Join the community choir to sing at this year’s Christmas Night of Music Concert. The concert will be held on Monday, December 7, 2026. Practices held weekly in November. Ages 12 and up.
Join us for this exciting new league for kids in grades 2–5. This beginner-friendly 3v3 street hockey league runs Sept. 21–Oct. 28 with games on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5–8 p.m. The league is focused on fun and skill-building—no scores or standings.
• Sign up online today at: rivertonutah.gov/nutrition
• Learn more by visiting: rivertonutah.gov/exhibits
• Sign up online today at: rivertonutah.gov/night-of-music
• Learn more by visiting: rivertonutah.gov/hockey
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RIVERTON INSIDER • SEPTEMBER 2026