SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 23, 2025) – The Water Development Coordinating Council will host four public meetings throughout the state in October to gather public input on the new Unified Water Infrastructure Plan (UWIP). These meetings are an opportunity for Utahns to learn more about the state’s new approach to funding water projects and to share their perspectives on Utah’s water future.
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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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Utah is updating its state water plan — a roadmap for how we manage, use and protect water across the state. The Division of Water Resources wants to hear from you! Water Talks are open, community gatherings where your voice helps shape the future of water in your region and beyond.
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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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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 (July 1, 2025) – With the peak of summer ahead, state water officials are planning for hot, dry weather driving up demand. With drought conditions persisting across the state, using water wisely is more important than ever. Storms in the southern part of the state have improved the situation, while drought conditions have worsened in the northern part of the state. Overall, 91% of the state remains in moderate to severe drought.
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Nearly 60% of residential water use in Utah goes straight into the landscape, making it the single biggest opportunity for personal impact. In an effort to save water, many folks are ditching their lawns and going all-in on “zeroscapes” — think rocks instead of roots. While the intention is right, replacing greenery with gravel isn’t the eco-win it seems. Turns out, those rock gardens may be saving water but at the cost of other environmental benefits.
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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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Water conservation critical as Utah’s water supply faces a drier year
Salt Lake City (April 24, 2025) – With low streamflow forecasts, increased water demand as temperatures rise and southern Utah experiencing extreme drought, Gov. Spencer J. Cox issued an Executive Order today declaring a state of emergency in 17 counties due to drought conditions. The counties include: Washington, Iron, San Juan, Kane, Juab, Emery, Grand, Beaver, Garfield, Piute, Millard, Tooele, Uintah, Carbon, Sevier, Sanpete and Wayne. This declaration reflects USDA’s disaster classifications that are informed by the U.S. Drought Monitor and NRCS’s water supply report.
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April 21, 2025 — Earth is a watery place. When we look at a photo from space, it’s easy to see that our planet has more water than land. But of all the water on Earth, more than 99-percent of it is unusable by humans and many other living things. It’s surprising that the water that supports all terrestrial and aquatic life on our planet is actually so scarce!
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