SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 21, 2024) – As of late November, Utah’s water conditions represent a mixed outlook. Current soil moisture levels are around 9% below normal, raising early concerns about potential impacts on next year’s spring runoff. Low soil moisture means that, without improvement, more of the snowmelt may be absorbed by dry ground before it reaches streams and reservoirs.
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SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 19, 2024) – In relation to SB 34 (2023), the Utah Division of Water Resources has contracted with LRB Public Finance Advisors to complete a new study on water infrastructure funding. This study evaluates how property tax revenue is currently utilized in the supply, delivery and water infrastructure needs of Utah and neighboring states. It also explores best practices for the procurement and management of infrastructure funding and makes recommendations for promoting equity among water users.
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SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 21, 2024) – The Utah Division of Water Resources and the Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management have partnered to create the State Facility Water Tracker. This new tool displays data related to water use specifically at state facilities. Visualizing this data helps us better understand water conservation efforts at these locations. Preliminary numbers show that Utah state facilities have achieved a 20% reduction in water use since 2020.
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SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 16, 2024)—On Oct. 15, rebates for smart irrigation controllers increased from $75 to $100, and rebates for water-efficient toilets increased from $100 to $150. These rebates are available on UtahWaterSavers.com and are offered statewide.
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Protecting Water Supply for 650,000 Residents
SOUTH WEBER (Oct. 2, 2024) – Today, state and local officials toured the Davis County Aqueduct seismic resilience project, a critical $81 million effort aimed at securing the water supply for over 650,000 residents in the event of a major earthquake.
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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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While Holland is responsible for Tulipmania and popularizing tulips, the flowering bulb is not native to Holland. In fact, most of the winter-hardy bulbs we are familiar with — like daffodils, tulips and hyacinths — are indigenous to Eastern Europe.
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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 (August 15, 2024) – Precipitation this summer has been underwhelming for most of the state. Heat has also been a major issue over the past months. Continued water conservation efforts are crucial as demand for water increases during these hotter months.
“The state has been drying out this summer. Monsoons have been present in some form, but have been few and far between,” Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, said. “We need more of these monsoons to saturate our soils for an efficient spring runoff next year.”
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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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