Image shows the Virgin River from a low angle on the shore. It shows trees and bushes along the banks of the river.

Utah Division of Water Resources publishes the latest water budget 

Published 12-22-25

highlighting a more accurate picture of water use in the state

SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 22, 2025) – The annual run of the Utah Water Budget model has been completed for 1989-2024 water years. Improvements to methods have resulted in more accurate accounting of water use across the state. The Water Budget is a model that helps decision-makers understand and predict the state’s water supply (surface water inflow, precipitation and storage), water use per sector (diversions and depletions through agriculture, municipal and industrial “M&I” use) and how much water leaves the state (surface water outflow).

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picture shows an image of a mountain range in Kamas. It shows a very small amount of snow on the mountains.

Utah Water Conditions Update December 2025

Published 12-18-25

SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 18, 2025) – A warm and dry December and November have left the state with below-normal snow totals. While this is a reason for concern, two or three good storm cycles could bring the state up to normal levels. Utah’s snowpack typically peaks around the beginning of April. 

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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. 

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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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Picture shows a river with plants on the banks of the water

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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Image shows the Jordan River with green riparian areas on the side of the river

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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