Utah resort accused of using unsafe water for guests

In southeastern Utah, the Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa has come under scrutiny for serious violations regarding its water treatment practices. The Utah Division of Drinking Water issued an emergency order to halt operations at the resort's surface water treatment plant after employees reported alarming practices, including washing dishes in swimming pool water. This order was prompted by an inspection that revealed the plant was functioning without a certified operator and that critical equipment had failed, leading to potentially unsafe drinking water for guests. The resort typically serves around 260 people, including 180 guests, and the state agency's findings indicated that the water system was rated 'Not Approved,' the lowest compliance designation for public water systems. The resort was also found to have filled tanks with water from an unknown source and directed employees to provide bottled water to guests. The inspector's findings highlighted that a chemical used in the treatment process had turned into a gel, indicating a complete failure of the treatment system, which could have exposed guests to un-disinfected surface water. As a result, the resort was ordered to post a Tier 1 'Do Not Use' public notice, instructing guests to avoid using the water for any purpose, including drinking and bathing. The general manager of the resort, Jason Roma, acknowledged the concerns and stated that the safety of guests and employees is a top priority. He assured that the resort is cooperating with health authorities and taking corrective actions to resolve the issues promptly.