SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 14, 2023) – As scorching heat returns to Utah, the state’s reservoirs have become crucial sources, fulfilling the needs of residents, agriculture and municipalities. In these times of reliance on water reserves, fostering a waterwise mindset is imperative to ensure sustainability during the inevitable dry years ahead.
(more…)
SALT LAKE CITY (July 13, 2023) – Utah’s water supply continues to benefit from a stellar winter as of the beginning of July. The state has experienced a gradual melt-off, which has helped replenish water reserves.
“Last year, we were facing unfavorable records. Now, we are achieving positive milestones,” Candice Hasenyager, the director of the Division of Water Resources, said, “This year’s exceptional snowpack offers us a unique opportunity to enhance our resilience to drought by continuing to conserve and preserve our water supply.”
According to the latest data from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Utah has currently received 137% of normal precipitation. This is a significant improvement when compared to last year when precipitation was 7% below normal. Soil moisture has been a major driver for how efficient the state’s runoff has been. The record snowpack kept the soil moisture high. Very little runoff soaked into the soil and instead refilled streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
(more…)
SALT LAKE CITY (June 29, 2023) – Today, Gov. Spencer Cox is declaring Sunday, July 2, 2023, as a day of prayer and thanksgiving in Utah. He’s asking faith leaders and all Utahns throughout the state to join in offering prayers of thanks after a year of record-breaking snowfall.
(more…)
LOGAN (June 15, 2023) – The Division of Water Resources was delighted to participate in the second Utah Growing Water Smart workshop on June 6, 7 and 8. These workshops bring key community staff and decision-makers on water and land use planning together to collaborate to build a more resilient and sustainable water future.
(more…)
SALT LAKE CITY (May 17, 2023) – The Utah Division of Water Resources has announced the launch of a new online form where residents can submit “Water Wins,” or waterwise actions they’ve noticed in their communities. These water-saving actions could include waterwise landscaping, creative water re-use or major upgrades in commercial water systems.
(more…)
SALT LAKE CITY (May 15, 2023) – Gov. Spencer Cox has named Brian Steed as the state’s new Great Salt Lake commissioner. This appointment is subject to approval by the Utah Senate.
“Brian has been a trusted advisor for many years and I appreciate his willingness to re-enter public service at this critical time,” said Gov. Cox. “We have a unique opportunity right now to protect and preserve the Great Salt Lake, and Brian’s expertise and passion for the lake will ensure its future is secure for generations to come.”
(more…)
SALT LAKE CITY (April 25, 2023) — For the second year in a row, the legislative session concluded with significant investments targeting water conservation, efficiency and infrastructure. Our record-breaking winter that delivered the deepest snowpack in state history has certainly helped with our drought conditions, but there’s still a ways to go. These bills will help Utah become more waterwise and drought resilient. Here are some highlights:
(more…)
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.
(more…)
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.
(more…)
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.
(more…)