Photograph of a dry irrigation ditch along the side of a neighborhood road. This picture was taken on the corner of Main Street and 500 South.

Since 1959, the most important developments in water distribution in Providence and throughout Utah revolve around water sanitation. Although by the mid-20th century typhoid and cholera were becoming extremely rare in the United States (thanks to water treatment and better sewage systems), there still were and are waterborne diseases that remain a concern: Giardia, E.Coli, and Hepatitis A in particular.[141]  To combat such illnesses, the state and federal governments cooperated to create a Water Rating System in 1965. By complying with this system, small towns like Providence could ensure every household received clean culinary water. For a city’s water system to be “approved” by the state, there could be no "defects [in the means of conveyance] which might result in contamination of the water"; regularly-submitted samples of water had to meet certain requirements; and operation reports had to be sent to the Department of Health whenever treatment was added to the water.[142]  The Bureau of Public Water Supply insisted that water be treated more than once before being delivered to homes, and more than one method of treatment had to be applied. "[C]oagulation, settling, filtration and disinfection" were particularly mentioned.[143]  In 1966 Providence installed chlorinating equipment.[144]  Since 1965 other laws have been enacted and knowledge of waterborne diseases has increased, so the city must constantly keep abreast of such developments and make the necessary changes. In 1980 Providence’s water system achieved approval by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. The city must consistently send water quality reports to this department to maintain its approval.[145]

This section of the Providence BSF Lower Canal runs between 200 South and 300 South on 200 West.

An effective sewer system has a great effect on the ability to keep culinary water pure. Providence elected to connect to Logan’s existing sewer system in the latter half of the 20^th century.[146]  Up to that point, cesspools, septic systems and even some outhouses were the norm.[147]  As knowledge of water sanitation has increased, so has the recognition of the need to keep irrigation water, sewer water and culinary water separate.[148]  Even irrigation water needs to be of a certain quality to avoid contaminating crops—untreated sewer water should not be used. Of course, culinary water has to meet even higher standards. Thus, "cross-connections” (places where a non-potable source of water, such as irrigation ditches, comes into contact with other water systems)must be avoided.[149]

As of now, three of Providence City’s water sources come from wells dug during the modernization process; however, the main year-round source comes from a spring.[150]  Almost all of the irrigation companies founded in the early 19^th century remain active and there is continuing need for the water companies and the city to cooperate in maintaining Providence’s water supply.[151]  They must work together to ensure water quality.[152]  Conflicts over shared sources must be resolved quickly and courteously.[153] Shares must be regularly exchanged and purchased.[154]

Providence’s canals remain crucial to sustaining the town. Though in some areas the irrigation ditches are hardly noticeable along the roadside, in others their shadows remain. Knowledge of Providence’s water and canal system is crucial to understanding how the town became what it is today, and how settlers have managed to survive in the arid western United States. Furthermore, the history of Providence’s water and canals has not come to an end. There will always be more developments and improvements to come.[155]