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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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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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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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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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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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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SB 211 looks to enhance state’s water management
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 18, 2024) – Gov. Spencer Cox has appointed, and the Senate has confirmed, Joel Ferry as the state’s water agent as outlined in SB 211. Ferry currently serves as executive director of the Department of Natural Resources and will continue in this role while assuming water agent duties.
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SALT LAKE CITY (July 8, 2024) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced that it has allocated $185 million to 32 states and one U.S. Territory for the rehabilitation of high-hazard dams. Utah is among the states receiving an initial award, and will likely receive $7.2 million.
“Aging dam infrastructure and the requirement to meet the minimum dam safety standards make this initial award a welcome sight,” said Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources. “Dam improvements are imperative to the safety of Utahns, and they are also costly. We are grateful for FEMA’s support.”
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The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation donated $2.2 million to the Antelope Island Learning Center and Utah Water Ways for Utah’s water conservation and educational outreach efforts.
Funding for the Antelope Island Learning Center will be routed through the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation. The Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation is the nation’s leading advocate for entrepreneurial thought in conservation and will create an educational curriculum for the Antelope Island Learning Center.
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