SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 3, 2022) — With Utah’s Great Salt Lake reaching new record lows, Gov. Spencer Cox has issued a proclamation suspending new water appropriations within the Great Salt Lake Basin, including the Bear, Weber, and Jordan River basins and the body of the Great Salt Lake.
(more…)
Utah Board of Water Resources celebrates its 75th anniversary
Published 11-01-22
Happy 75th anniversary to us!
💦 Seventy-five years
💦 1,530 projects
💦 $988M in Board Funding
From dam development and upgrades, to water data collection and planning, and hundreds of critical projects in between, we’ve worked hard to protect Utah’s water. Now more than ever, we’re committed to collaboration with the water community to address the challenges ahead of us. We celebrate these many accomplishments, but we also celebrate you, Utahns, for your efforts to conserve and your continued support!
(more…)
Weekly Lawn Watering Guide recommending most of Utah to shut off sprinklers
Published 10-21-22
SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 21, 2022) – As fall temperatures settle in, the Weekly Lawn Watering Guide is now recommending most of the state shut off irrigation systems until next spring when irrigation season begins again. The only exception is Washington County, the division expects to recommend zero irrigations statewide in the next few weeks as temperatures continue to drop.
(more…)
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.
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…)