Preserving What Connects Us All: A Local Effort to Protect Ogden Valley’s Water
Pictured above, from left to right, Corby Young, Britta Peterson, Les Vierra, Trina White at the Weber River Partnersip Confluence 2026 Symposium held January 13 at Weber State University.
(as submitted to the Ogden Valley News)
Part 1 of a local series on protecting Ogden Valley’s water, presented by the Ogden Valley Watershed Action Group (OVWAG).
Water shapes life in Ogden Valley.
From the snow that blankets our mountains each winter, to the rivers and streams that flow through the valley, to Pineview Reservoir and the wells many residents rely on at home, water connects our recreation, our economy, and our quality of life.
That shared resource is the focus of a new, locally led group: the Ogden Valley Watershed Action Group (OVWAG).
OVWAG is a volunteer-based community effort formed to preserve, protect, and restore the water resources of Ogden Valley. The group brings together local residents who care about clean water, healthy streams, and a thriving Pineview Reservoir — now and for future generations.
OVWAG operates under the Weber River Partnership and is supported by state and federal watershed funding to carry out education and outreach efforts identified in long-term watershed planning for the Ogden River.
Why a Watershed Group?
A watershed is the land area where rain and snowmelt drain into rivers, streams, aquifers, and reservoirs. What happens on the land — from yards and roads to farms, construction sites, and septic systems — eventually affects the water we all share.
Ogden Valley’s watershed is unique. With multiple ski areas, growing development, agricultural lands, and Pineview Reservoir at its center, small everyday actions can add up to big impacts on water quality over time.
OVWAG’s goal is not regulation or enforcement, but education, awareness, and practical solutions that help residents understand how the watershed works and what we can do, individually and collectively, to keep it healthy.
What OVWAG Does
OVWAG focuses on:
Community education about how water moves through the valley
Septic system awareness and stewardship
Construction and erosion best practices
Agricultural and urban runoff education
Partnerships with local agencies, schools, and organizations
Citizen involvement through observation, learning, and outreach
The group works closely with regional and state partners but remains firmly grounded in the local community.
A Community Effort
OVWAG is intentionally grassroots. Volunteers include long-time residents and newer community members, all sharing a common interest in protecting Ogden Valley’s water.
The group is actively looking for residents who would like to get involved, whether by helping brainstorm ideas, supporting education and outreach efforts, assisting with community events, or simply learning more about local water issues.
There is no requirement to be a scientist or technical expert. Volunteers help in many ways, from learning about local water issues, to sharing information with neighbors, to helping with community events and observations. Time commitments are flexible, and people can get involved at whatever level works for them.
Paying attention, learning together, and caring about the future of local water resources are the foundation of the group’s work.
Learn More
OVWAG meetings are open to the public and held regularly at the Huntsville Library. The next two meetings will be held February 5 and February 19, from 6–7 p.m., and all interested residents are welcome to attend.
Residents who are curious, concerned, or simply interested in learning more about Ogden Valley’s water are encouraged to attend a meeting or reach out. To learn more, stay informed, or explore ways to get involved, visit www.ovwag.com or email info@ovwag.com.
Preserve. Protect. Restore.
Because the health of our water reflects the care of our community.