Rockport Reservoir in the morning as the sun rises with heavy cloud coverage

Drought Update 09/17/26

Published 09-17-26

SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 17, 2026) – As autumn approaches and nighttime temperatures cool down, the Utah Division of Water Resources reminds Utahns to adjust their irrigation habits and prepare for the upcoming water year.

“With shorter days and cooler evening temperatures, landscape water requirements decrease significantly,” Joel Williams, director at the Division of Water Resources, said. “Irrigation timers should be adjusted down or turned off. Leaving automatic sprinklers on summer schedules leads to wasteful overwatering. Follow our Weekly Lawn Watering Guide for general recommendations”

Conditions at a Glance

  • Statewide reservoir storage is at 50%
  • 1,190 wildfires have been reported this year
  • 100% of the state is in some form of drought

The New Water Year Begins October 1

Utah’s hydrologic “water year” runs from Oct.1 through Sept. 30. A water year is a term used to describe a time period of 12 months where precipitation totals are measured. It coincides with the growing season, when the water collected is used up and then the water year starts over. As we close out the current water year, water managers assess cumulative precipitation, streamflows and reservoir storage to establish a baseline for the upcoming winter snowpack season.

Soil Moisture: The Foundation for Next Spring’s Runoff

Soil moisture levels in late fall play a critical role in determining how much water reaches our reservoirs during next spring’s snowmelt. When mountain soils are moist before the ground freezes, melting snowpack in the spring flows directly into streams and reservoirs rather than soaking into dry dirt like a sponge. August monsoonal storms improved mountain soil moisture levels for most of the state, providing a solid foundation ahead of winter.

Reservoir Storage & Reservoir Dynamics Across Utah

Reservoir dynamics vary across the state based on size. Large, multi-year reservoirs (such as Strawberry, Flaming Gorge, and Jordanelle) provide carryover storage across multiple dry years and buffer against single-season deficits. Smaller 1- to 2-year storage reservoirs drain rapidly during dry periods and rely heavily on annual snowpack to refill.

  • Reservoir storage averages 50% full (excluding Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge), which is 9% lower than normal for this time of year, and 13% lower than the same time last year. 
  • The boat ramp at Palisade State Park is closed, and water level is at 4%. When reservoirs reach low levels, some parks are forced to close their boat launch ramps in order to help better protect visitors and their property. Visit the Division of State Parks boat ramp conditions webpage for more information. 
  • Because Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are happening across the state, residents are urged to learn how to identify them and find current water advisories at HABs.utah.gov. 

Pineview Reservoir Drawdown

In addition to seasonal irrigation demands, Pineview is being drawn down to allow Ogden City to perform essential construction and maintenance on a municipal drinking water pipeline that runs beneath the reservoir. Residents can learn more about the project, view projected reservoir levels and follow construction updates at OgdenCityPipeline.com.

Fall is Prime Time for Waterwise Planting

Fall is the best season in Utah to plant waterwise perennials, shrubs and trees. Cooler air and soil temperatures allow roots to establish safely without the heat stress of midsummer, ensuring plants thrive with less water by next spring.

Secondary Water

Davis and Weber Counties Canal Company shut down its secondary water systems on Sept. 15 due to the smaller than normal snowpack/runoff, plus a hot, dry summer. Other agencies may have similar shut off dates for secondary water. The state recommends staying in close contact with your water provider to be aware of any guidance for secondary water. 

River Conditions Reflect Continued Drought Across Utah

As Utah moves through September, drought conditions continue to affect streamflows and water distribution across several major river systems. Conditions vary by basin, with snowpack, late-summer precipitation and storage releases influencing water availability. 

Key Observations from Around the State

  • Bear River – Natural flow is 400 cfs, providing about 29% of direct flow rights. Conditions are similar to the average 2020 water year, with better snowpack, summer rainstorms and storage releases helping support flows.
  • Upper Provo River – Natural flow is 7.4 cfs, providing about 2.4% of direct flow rights. Summer monsoons have temporarily increased flows, but drought conditions continue without additional moisture.
  • Upper Duchesne River – Natural flow is 319 cfs, providing about 27.1% of direct flow rights. Flows remain below those seen during average and wet years and have steadily declined through the summer.
  • Upper Sevier River – Natural flow is 62 cfs, providing about 10% of first-class direct flow rights. Flows are less than half those recorded during the 2021 drought year as drought conditions persist.

For detailed river system statistics and conditions, see the full report here.

Conservation Efforts

The state continues to promote initiatives such as the Agricultural Water Optimization Program for farmers and SlowtheFlow.org for residents. These programs aim to educate and incentivize water-saving practices, helping Utahns become more drought-resilient and better prepared for future conditions. Many indoor water-saving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.  

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For more information, contact Michael Sanchez, public information officer, at 385-226-8967 or email MASanchez@utah.gov.  

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One Last Flush: Utah Retires Toilet Rebate Program

Published 08-28-26

After helping thousands of Utah homeowners upgrade to water-efficient toilets over the past several years, the Utah Water Savers Toilet Replacement Program will be coming to a close.

Since launching in 2019, the program has helped more than 4,500 Utah households replace nearly 6,000 older, high-water-use toilets with new EPA WaterSense® labeled models, saving millions of gallons of water while improving water efficiency in homes across the state.

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Drought Update 08/27/2026

Published 08-27-26

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Drought Update  07/30/26

Published 07-30-26

SALT LAKE CITY (July 30, 2026) – Summer monsoons have brought much-needed precipitation to some parts of the state, offering relief by decreasing demand on our water supplies. This moisture has also come at a severe cost, as these intense weather events have unfortunately resulted in the destruction of property and, tragically, the loss of life. As we navigate the remainder of the summer, we urge all residents to remain vigilant and prioritize safety.

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Utah Division of Water Resources Releases 2026 State Water Plan Draft 

Published 07-23-26

SALT LAKE CITY (July 23, 2026) – After significant collaboration with the public, and partners across the state, the Utah Division of Water Resources has released a draft of the 2026 State Water Plan. The division has been working with state agencies, local governments, tribal representatives, watershed councils, water providers and members of the public to shape the plan.

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Escalating fire danger and drought strain resources ahead of holiday weekend

Published 07-02-26

SALT LAKE CITY (July 2, 2026) – With critical fire danger escalating across the state and drought conditions straining water supplies, officials are urging all residents to exercise extreme caution this holiday weekend. As fire activity intensifies, please recreate responsibly to help prevent new wildfire starts while crews manage ongoing incidents. 

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Drought Update 06/11/26

Published 06-11-26

SALT LAKE CITY (June 11, 2026) – With June temperatures rising, Utah is facing a deepening drought that has accelerated the drying of soils and vegetation across the state. Wildfire season has already been active with over 230 fires so far this year, a majority of which were human-caused. 

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Gov. Cox Issues Drought Executive Order

Published 05-28-26

Water conservation critical as Utah’s water supply faces a drier year

SALT LAKE CITY (May 21, 2026) – Following the warmest winter on record and the lowest snowpack levels ever recorded in Utah, Gov. Spencer J. Cox issued an Executive Order today declaring a statewide state of emergency due to extreme drought conditions.

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Make every drop count: Utah Division of Water Resources unveils new waterwise tools for homeowners

Published 07-23-25

Salt Lake City, Utah – Jul 23, 2025 – Ready to transform your yard into a beautiful, water-efficient oasis? The Utah Division of Water Resources is thrilled to announce the launch of three new resources designed to empower Utah homeowners in creating stunning, waterwise landscapes. Introducing the Waterwise Plant application, the comprehensive Homeowner Landscape Resources Guide and the engaging Waterwise Landscapes webinar series. 

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