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 (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 (June 27, 2024) – As of late June, most of Utah’s snowpack has melted. As we enter drier and hotter conditions, many streams and rivers are still running high, fast and cold – creating dangerous conditions. The state continues to stress caution around these water bodies.
“Our snowpack melting gradually has helped fill reservoirs and replenish our natural environment,” Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, said. “For the most part, we have avoided flooding concerns while managing reservoirs optimally.”
According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s June Water Supply Report, statewide storage is at its highest level in at least 15 years, if not much longer. Multiple basins (Weber-Ogden, Tooele Valley, Duchesne, Provo, Price, Southeastern Utah, and Beaver watersheds) are at or close to their reservoir storage capacity.
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SALT LAKE CITY (May 16, 2024) – As of mid-May, over half of this winter’s snow has melted. Utah’s water conditions continue to benefit from favorable weather patterns, ensuring optimal spring runoff. Short periods of warm temperatures followed by cooler weather and precipitation have helped slow snowmelt.
“A slow warmup is exactly what we need to have a safe and effective spring runoff,” Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, said. “We still have a good amount of snow in the mountains, so we are hoping for a gradual snowmelt.”
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SALT LAKE CITY (April 18, 2024) – As April unfolds, Utah’s water situation reflects a delicate balance between melting snowpack, reservoir management and rising temperatures. Recent data suggests that we most likely witnessed the peak of our snowpack, reaching 18.8 inches on April 2, surpassing the median peak snowpack of 16 inches.
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Specific actions outlined to help ensure a resilient water supply for the lake
SALT LAKE CITY (April 15, 2024) – The Utah Division of Water Resources and the Bureau of Reclamation are pleased to announce the finalization of the Work Plan for the Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Plan (GSLBIP), which charts the course for developing the GSLBIP.
After a 65-day comment period, the initial draft Work Plan was updated in response to recommendations and to include the specific actions necessary for completing the GSLBIP.
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SALT LAKE CITY (March 7, 2024) – Utah’s water outlook for March is marked by encouraging developments and notable records. Alta recently experienced its wettest February on record, showcasing the dynamic nature of our climate and its potential impact on water resources.
“Alta’s record-breaking February reminds us how much can change in a month,” Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, said. “Our statewide snowpack has been consistently above normal since the beginning of February, which has really put Utah in a good position as we head into spring.”
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The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation donated $2.2 million to the Antelope Island Learning Center and Utah Water Ways for Utah’s water conservation and educational outreach efforts.
Funding for the Antelope Island Learning Center will be routed through the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation. The Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation is the nation’s leading advocate for entrepreneurial thought in conservation and will create an educational curriculum for the Antelope Island Learning Center.
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