The Vat Diversion was completed in the mid-1980's as part of the Bonneville Unit of the Central Utah Project. Vat Diversion diverts a portion of the West Fork of the Duchesne River into the Strawberry Aqueduct and Collection System. Water from the Vat Diversion is combined with water coming from the West Fork Pipeline and is conveyed to Strawberry Reservoir. The West Fork Pipeline receives water from Upper Stillwater Reservoir and other sources through a series of tunnels and pipelines. The primary function of the Vat Diversion is to regulate flows into the system before combining with the 78-inch West Fork Pipeline. Due to the constant modulation of the valves and actuators required to regulate the flow at the Vat Flow Control Structure, the valves and actuators are no longer reliable. Additionally, the flow meters do not give accurate flow measurement at lower rates, which is needed to optimize system operations and account for diversions and deliveries of water. Therefore, it has been determined that the equipment has reached the end of its useful life and requires replacement.
The Vat Diversion Structure Improvement Project consists of valve, flowmeter, and structure improvements at both the Vat Flow Control Structure and the West Fork Pipeline Measuring Structure. Two flowmeters (66-inch and 20-inch) and two butterfly valves (66-inch and 20-inch) will be replaced in the Vat Flow Control Structure. A single 78-inch flowmeter will be replaced in the West Fork Pipeline Measuring Structure. Both structures will also receive entrance modifications that will enhance the safety of District employees entering and exiting the structures.