Cloward H2O, an expert in aquatic design, is part of the project team for Zion Shores, an upscale surf-community development located just outside Zion National Park in southern Utah.
The 30-acre development will feature 65 waterfront homes, comprising 22 townhomes and 43 single-family houses, surrounding a large 9-acre concrete-lined surf basin. This central basin will employ a specialised water quality management system designed to address the unique challenges of the location and usage.
Residents will have direct access from their back patios to the waves. Additionally, a second, resort-style wave system will include cabanas, umbrellas, and a boardwalk along the water, creating a beachfront atmosphere in the desert.
Cloward H2O contributed to engineering Zion Shores’ aquatic systems, integrating sustainable design and water treatment expertise into this unique desert surf park.
Surf for beginners and experts
Zion Shores features three cutting-edge wave systems tailored for all surfers. The highlight is a generation-6 PerfectSwell by American Wave Machines, the largest of its type, capable of producing ocean-like swells at any time.
Its patented pneumatic technology generates a limitless range of waves, from gentle point breaks to rapid reef or beach breaks, controlled by an advanced system that adjusts parameters to ensure a reliable, world-class surfing experience.
AeUrbia
Additionally, two UNIT Surf systems provide dynamic options. The UNIT Zion Dynamic Wave, measuring 164 ft in width, features patent-pending flow controls that create multiple moving “pockets” of surfable water across its length, each lasting about 20 seconds.
Next to it, the UNIT Zion Standing Wave, 60 ft wide, generates a continuous, breaking wave face approximately 1–1.8 m high. This stationary wave is ideal for beginners seeking endless repetition to learn, as well as for advanced riders practising tricks.
Together, the PerfectSwell and the two UNIT systems cater to surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced pros.
Water efficiency
Water efficiency is critical in this dry environment. Zion Shores is designed to operate entirely with its own private wells, avoiding the use of local drinking or irrigation water.
The site has a well that supplies around 2,400 acre-feet (approximately 782 million gallons) of naturally brackish groundwater annually, which is too saline for drinking or agricultural use. This water will be used to fill the surf basins.
By tapping into this source, the project helps preserve Washington County’s limited freshwater supply. Cloward H2O has developed advanced treatment methods to manage dissolved solids and salinity, ensuring the water meets strict standards for clarity and recreational safety.
AeUrbia
Once filled, the water remains in a closed-loop recirculation system. Instead of frequent draining, millions of gallons are continuously filtered and disinfected.
Cloward H2O designed the mechanical plant to circulate the entire water volume through multiple stages of filters, chemical feeders, and disinfection units. Chlorination ensures sanitation, providing clarity and safety. Water is maintained to national swimming standards.
Additional treatment, such as ozone, is used as needed to neutralise pathogens without creating harmful by-products. This process involves multiple steps, including circulation, filtration, and chemical dosing, to maintain consistently clear and safe water.
Sensors continuously monitor water chemistry and clarity in real time, automatically adjusting pumps and sanitisers to maintain high water quality at all times.
To minimise loss in the hot, dry air, engineers will apply industry best practices such as strategic shading, windbreaks, and other measures to reduce evaporation.
The entire Zion Shores community (surf, landscape, homes, etc.) is expected to use only around 30 million gallons per year. In comparison, a typical Southern Utah golf course uses about 120–150 million gallons annually, so the surf community’s water footprint is roughly one-fifth as large.
A collaborative approach
Zion Shores demonstrates how advanced surf amenities can be developed in harmony with environmental care. Cloward H2O praises Desert Lakes LLC, Alaia Development Corp., and all project collaborators, including American Wave Machines and UNIT Surf, for their innovative approach.
By using a water source that would otherwise go unused and investing in efficient treatment methods, the team has shown respect for Southern Utah’s limited freshwater supplies. As highlighted in the project’s vision, “Water is a precious resource, especially in Southern Utah, and Zion Shores was conceived and designed with the vision of protecting that resource.”
AeUrbia
In its role as an aquatic engineer, Cloward H2O will help turn these sustainable plans into reality. The outcome will enable Utah residents and visitors to experience perfect waves in the desert without harming the local environment.
The project team comprises AeUrbia, Aquify, Civil Science, Flygt, Resolut, Salt Lake Excavating, Unitsurf, Westech, American Wave Machines, and Land Works.
Last month, Cloward H2O announced that another project, Montgomery Whitewater in Montgomery, Alabama, has been recognised with a Dream Designs award by Aquatics International.
