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.
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.
(more…)Communities Across the State Converting Over 120,000 sq. ft of Thirsty Grass to Drought-Resistant Landscapes
Published 05-18-22
The Utah Division of Water Resources, water districts, municipalities and one university will convert 120,441 sq. ft of grassy park strips and other landscapes to waterwise landscapes on May 19. This is the second “Flip Blitz,” a campaign that aims to raise awareness about how small landscape changes can make a big difference. Over 85% of the conversions will take place in Washington County alone.
(more…)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.
(more…)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.
(more…)$250 Million for the Installation of Secondary Meters Will Fast-Track Water Conservation Efforts
Published 04-05-22
Application period runs April 1-May 15 for secondary water providers
SALT LAKE CITY (April 5, 2022) – Grant funds allocated during the past legislative session for metering secondary water (untreated water for irrigation) are now available. HB242 allocated $250 million to help secondary water providers accelerate meter installation. Areas that have installed secondary meters have seen a reduction in water use by about 20-30%. The Division of Water Resources will administer the program, with the initial application period running April 1-May 15.
(more…)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.
(more…)Utah Division of Water Resources announces finalized Water Resources Plan
Published 02-15-22
SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 15, 2022) – After processing over 270 public comments, the Utah Division of Water Resources has finalized the Water Resources Plan. This plan is the result of years of data gathering, modeling and other collaborative efforts to identify when and where water will be needed throughout the state.
“A safe, reliable water supply is critical to Utah’s prosperity and quality of life. This plan provides a comprehensive look at Utah’s current water use and supply conditions and future demand scenarios,” said Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources. “It’s a long-range planning document that looks 50 years into the future and has been years in the making.”
(more…)Public comment sought for new Water Resources Plan
Published 09-29-21
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 29, 2021) – The Utah Division of Water Resources is seeking public input on the new Water Resources Plan. This plan is the result of years of data gathering, modeling and other collaborative efforts to identify when and where water will be needed throughout the state. The comment period runs Sept. 29-Nov. 15, with a virtual open house scheduled for Oct. 20.
(more…)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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