graphic shows the Jordan River with trees along the banks changing to fall colors. The sky is overcast.

Utah Water Conditions Update October 2025

Published 10-21-25

SALT LAKE CITY (October 21, 2025) – The beginning of our Water Year, which began on Oct. 1, has delivered outstanding early-season precipitation. This historic moisture has profoundly improved water conditions and significantly boosted the outlook for our region’s water supply. 

Recent storms have provided unprecedented rainfall for the month. Salt Lake City’s total precipitation for October stands at 4.95″, officially making it the wettest October on record over the last 151 years of data collection at the Salt Lake City Airport. This early accumulation is a powerful first step for the water year. 

“Yes, we can all collectively say ‘we needed this’ as we think about the recent storms and our water supply,” Candice Hasenyager, director at the Utah Division of Water Resources, said. “The recent storms are a great start to the water year, but we have a long road ahead.”

The Water Year is a 12-month cycle used by hydrologists to track water resources running from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. This timing is scientifically chosen because it captures the entire process, including fall and winter precipitation (such as snow) and the subsequent spring runoff, within a single reporting period. 

One of the most immediate and critical benefits of this early moisture is the saturation of our soils. Our soil moisture levels are 10% higher than in a typical year. In dry years, the ground acts like a sponge, absorbing much of the snowmelt before it can run off into reservoirs. Because our soils are now well-saturated, they are primed for a more efficient spring runoff. 

In Utah, about 95% of our water supply comes from snowpack. Reservoir storage helps us preserve that water for use in dry summer months and drought years. To encourage water conservation among Utahns, the Department of Natural Resources 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, ensuring Utahns become more drought-resilient and prepare for future conditions. Many indoor water-saving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.  

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The Utah Division of Water Resources is one of 10 divisions housed within the Department of Natural Resources. Tasked with planning, conserving, developing and protecting Utah’s water resources, the division serves as Utah’s water steward.

picture shows Great Salt Lake with Antelope Island in the background

Utah Water Conditions Update August 2025

Published 08-21-25

SALT LAKE CITY (August 21, 2025) – Utah’s reservoir levels are showing a drastic decline. Since June 1, the state has drawn down reservoirs at a rate more than double the normal rate. This is due to increased demand, lower-than-normal spring runoff and an extremely dry summer. 

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Water Conditions Update – July 22, 2025

Published 07-22-25

SALT LAKE CITY (July 22, 2025) – 100% of the state is in moderate to severe drought. On average, our reservoirs have dropped around 10% between June 1 and July 1. Typically, reservoirs drop around 2% during the same period. This is due to increased demand and an inefficient spring runoff earlier this year. 

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Utah Water Conditions Update May 2025

Published 05-29-25

SALT LAKE CITY (May 29, 2025) – As we head into hotter months, we expect increased demand for water. With the state’s subpar snowpack, which feeds our reservoirs, continued water conservation will remain a top priority for the state. State agencies will continue to monitor conditions and assist communities where needed. The governor issued a drought declaration on April 24, which has now expired. 

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Image show the Jordan River with snow capped mountains and clouds in the background. Caption says Water Condition s Update April 2025

Utah Water Conditions Update April 2025

Published 04-18-25

SALT LAKE CITY (April 18, 2025) – Utah reached this year’s snowpack peak on March 23 at 14.3 inches, which is equal to the state’s typical annual peak. Southwestern Utah continues to experience extreme drought conditions. 

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Utah Water Conditions Update February 2025

Published 02-18-25

SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 18, 2025) – Utah’s snowpack has raised concerns among water managers. The state’s snowpack sits at 93% of normal, with two southern Utah basins recording less than 50% of normal snow water equivalent (SWE). Extreme drought has reappeared in southwestern Utah for the first time since March 2023.  

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What is SWE and why should you care?

Published 12-18-24

SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 18, 2024) – Winter brings snow that blankets mountains, delights skiers and transforms the landscape into a frosty wonderland. Snowman building and skiing aside, we get about 95% of our water from snowpack. Enter SWE, or snow water equivalent — the superhero of snow measurements!

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Utah Water Conditions Update December 2024

Published 12-17-24

SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 17, 2024) – Current snowpack is developing in a “stair-step” pattern, with storm-driven increases followed by plateaus. Statewide, our snowpack is 81% of normal. Despite this early variability, hopes remain for a near-normal snowpack accumulation by spring. Utah’s snowpack typically peaks in April. 

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Utah Division of Water Resources Wins 2024 WaterSense® Excellence Award

Published 09-30-24

Washington, D.C. (09/30/24)—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the Utah Division of Water Resources with a WaterSense Excellence Award for promoting the WaterSense brand. WaterSense honored its Sustained Excellence, Partner of the Year, and Excellence Award winners during the WaterSmart Innovations (WSI) Conference. The division was one of 22 Excellence Award winners.

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