Massive Wave Pool Project Near Zion Sparks Water Concerns
A new ‘luxury surf community’ called Zion Shores has been proposed for Southern Utah, featuring what would become America’s largest wave pool.
The ambitious development plans to build near Washington City, just outside St. George and southwest of Zion National Park. Besides the American Wave Machines wave pool, the project includes 65 short-term rental properties and 30,000 square feet of commercial space for restaurants.
Perfect Swell Zion
According to the developers’ announcement, writes Fox13, the centerpiece will feature ‘Perfect Swell Zion’ with a 164-foot wide dynamic wave surf pool and a 60-foot wide standing wave attraction.
However, the project has sparked criticism from some Utah residents and officials who question the wisdom of building such a water-intensive facility in a drought-prone region.
“In light of the ask of the developers, and the need of our future growth, it is exceptionally tone deaf to approve an enormous surf park in Washington City”, council member Troy Belliston told Fox13.
Apparently anticipating these concerns, Zion Shores developers addressed water sourcing in their announcement. They claim the facility won’t draw from local drinking supplies or irrigation stores.
“Water is a precious resource, especially in Southern Utah, and ZION SHORES was conceived and designed with the vision of protecting that resource”, they stated. “Our surf lagoons will be filled with non-potable brackish water not suitable for drinking or irrigation from privately owned onsite wells.”
The developers explain their plan to use brackish water that would otherwise be ‘unusable’ and transform it into a ‘world-class surf and recreation amenity’ through chemical treatment.
If approved, construction could begin in late 2025, with the wave pool potentially opening to the public in early 2027.
