Record snowpack expected to trigger flooding

Published 04-14-23

 SALT LAKE CITY (April 14, 2023) —Record snowpack across the state has increased the potential for flooding, landslides and debris flows in some areas. Snowpack peaked at 30 inches of snow water equivalent this year versus 12 inches last year (15.8 inches is the statewide average peak). Runoff has begun. A gradual warmup and cooler nighttime temperatures are best for optimal runoff and also flood management.

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Spring landscape water-saving tips

Published 04-14-23

(April 14, 2023)

Spring weather is here, and the gardening season is beginning. Residentially, most of our water is used on the landscape. However, there are a few tricks to help reduce water waste without compromising the aesthetic value of your garden. 

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Two local watersheds councils apply for certification from the Utah Watersheds Council

Published 04-11-23

Stakeholders come together to collaborate on critical water issues

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (April 11, 2023) – The Bear River and Jordan River watershed councils will apply for certification from the Utah Watersheds Council on April 12 at 9 a.m. at the Department of Natural Resources in Salt Lake City. If granted, this certification will make them the first functioning local watershed councils under the Utah Watersheds Council Act.

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Church donates water to the state of Utah to benefit Great Salt Lake

Published 03-15-23

SALT LAKE CITY (March 15, 2023) — To benefit Great Salt Lake, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has agreed to donate over 5,700 water shares in the North Point Consolidated Irrigation Company to the state of Utah. The donation, believed to be the largest ever permanent donation to benefit Great Salt Lake, ensures water will continue to flow to the lake and preserve critical shoreline and wetland habitat in Farmington Bay.

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2023 General Session Water Legislation and Funding

Published 03-15-23

SALT LAKE CITY (March 8, 2022) – In the past two years, lawmakers have allocated nearly a billion dollars for water conservation efforts and development, further mitigating Utah’s ongoing water issues and planning for future growth. During the 2023 General Session, the Legislature funded over $500 million for water conversation, development and infrastructure. 

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Drought Update 02/21/23

Published 02-21-23

SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 21, 2022) – Utah’s snowpack is currently above the April peak. More snowstorms, such as the one forecasted this week, are needed to keep our snowpack above average. Many reservoirs are expected to fill, while larger water bodies will take multiple years of above-average snowpack to fill.  Cold temperatures and an effective melt are needed to begin refilling reservoirs. 

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Research universities and state agencies team up to offer solutions for Great Salt Lake

Published 02-16-23

Analysis includes a data repository, research, and policy options that will help return the lake to healthy levels

February 8, 2023 (Salt Lake City) – Declining water levels of Great Salt Lake threaten economic activity, local public health, and ecosystems. In response to this emergent statewide challenge, Utah’s public research universities formed the Great Salt Lake Strike Team, a collaboration of experts in public policy, hydrology, water management, climatology, and dust. Today they released a Great Salt Lake Policy Assessment that affirms the situation is urgent, but also identifies a variety of policy levers that can return the lake to healthy levels.

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 Colorado River States Submit a Consensus-Based Modeling Alternative to Bureau of Reclamation 

Published 01-31-23

Six states reach consensus on criteria for environmental review to help protect lakes Powell and Mead 

January 30, 2023 – Today, states sharing the Colorado River submitted a letter to the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) that outlines a Consensus-Based Modeling Alternative for Reclamation to evaluate and incorporate into its development of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to revise current Operating Guidelines (’07 Guidelines) for Glen Canyon Dam at Lake Powell and Hoover Dam at Lake Mead. 

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