FEMA Allocates $7.2 Million to Utah for Dam Safety Upgrades

Published 07-08-24

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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Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation Donates $2.2 Million to Water Conservation and Education Efforts in Utah

Published 02-28-24

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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Third round of grant funding applications for the purchase and installation of secondary meters announced

Published 11-30-22

The funds will be distributed through the Board of Water Resources in an effort to increase water conservation statewide 

SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 30, 2022) – After two initial two rounds of funding, the Utah Division of Water Resources is opening up a third round of applications for the purchase and installation of secondary meters. Through the first two rounds, the Board of Water Resources authorized over $190 million towards this effort. Systems that have installed secondary meters have seen a 20-30% reduction in water use simply by informing customers how much water they use. These grant funds are for secondary water providers, not residents. 

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Board of Water Resources Authorizes $190 Million in Grant Funds Toward Secondary Meters

Published 08-05-22

August 4th was a historic day for the Board of Water Resources and the water community. There were 70 secondary metering grant applications before the Board. These funds will install an estimated 114,000 secondary water meters and conserve almost 54,000 acre-feet of water (about the size of East Canyon Reservoir). The Board still has around $60 million in grants funds still available for secondary meters. A third round of funding will be announced soon. For more info, visit our secondary meter grant page here.

Image showing different Great Salt Lake elevations throughout the years.

On July 3, the level of Great Salt Lake dropped below the October 2021 historic low elevation

Published 07-07-22

This average daily surface water elevation, 4,190.1 feet, was measured at USGS station 10010000, located on the southern end of the lake and is associated with a data record dating back to 1847.  

“Lake level data recorded at this gage has proven invaluable for resource managers and researchers working on Great Salt Lake during this dynamic time,” said USGS Utah Water Science Center data chief Ryan Rowland.  

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Weekly Lawn Watering Guide now recommending at least “one irrigation per week” for the entire state

Published 05-16-22

Is it time to turn the sprinklers on? Check the Utah Division of Water Resources’ Weekly Lawn Watering Guide and find out. The guide is posted every Friday on the division’s Facebook page and website during irrigation season to help Utahns target water needs in each county. Utah has been in drought eight out of the last 10 years. We encourage all residents to check with their local water provider for restrictions. 

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Graphic of Drought Declaration

Gov. Cox issues drought emergency order

Published 04-21-22

Gov. Spencer J. Cox declared a state of emergency due to the dire drought conditions affecting the entire state. This declaration activates the Drought Response Committee and triggers increased monitoring and reporting. It also allows drought-affected communities, agricultural producers and others to report unmet needs and work toward solutions. 

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Transparent Water Billing Grant

Published 03-03-22

The Utah Division of Water Resources is currently accepting applications from retail water providers within the state of Utah that have a current water conservation plan filed with the Utah Division of Water Resources for three-year pilot projects through our new Transparent Water Billing Grant Program.

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Water Resources “Blitzes” park strips to show Utahns how to save thousands of gallons

Published 09-21-21

SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 20, 2021) – The Utah Division of Water Resources will convert four grassy park strips to lush but water-wise landscapes to launch “Flip Blitz,” a campaign that aims to raise awareness about how small landscape changes can make a big difference. The campaign kicks off Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 13218 S Herriman Rose Blvd, Herriman, Utah 84096 at 9 a.m.

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Director of Utah Division of Water Resources Appointed

Published 08-26-21

SALT LAKE CITY – Candice Hasenyager has been named director of the Utah Division of Water Resources. Hasenyager replaces Todd Adams who was appointed this week as deputy director for the Department of Natural Resources. Adams fills a vacancy created by Rory Reynolds who is retiring after 31 years with DNR. 

“Candice is a natural leader with a strong track record of water resource management. Her leadership will be critical in addressing Utah’s water challenges,” Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Brian Steed said. “She has helped lead the state through one of the worst droughts in history and will continue to look for innovative ways to stretch and best manage our water supply.”

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