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…)Utah Water Conditions Update
Published 07-13-23
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…)Utah’s New Weekly Lawn Watering Guide Announced
Published 05-15-23
SALT LAKE CITY (May 15, 2023) – The Utah Division of Water Resources’ Weekly Lawn Watering Guide, continues to provide valuable guidance to residents. This past week, an additional, Low Water Use Guide was added alongside the traditional guide which includes recommendations specifically for lower water use grass varieties.
(more…)Gov. Cox Issues Executive Order to Increase Utah’s Drought Resiliency
Published 05-10-23
SALT LAKE CITY (May 10, 2023) – Gov. Spencer Cox has issued an executive order requiring water conservation at state facilities with the goal of increasing Utah’s drought resiliency.
Under Executive Order 2023-07, each state agency will assess its compliance with water conservation requirements for state facilities, coordinate with the Division of Facilities Construction and Management and the Division of Water Resources to implement and follow those requirements, and follow the Division of Water Resources’ weekly watering guide.
(more…)Utah launches statewide water-wise landscaping incentive program
Published 05-01-23
West Jordan, UT (May 1, 2023) – Utah residents can now receive up to $3 per square foot when they replace their grass with water-efficient landscaping. The state of Utah is rolling out the nation’s first statewide landscape incentive program Monday, May 1, at 9:30 a.m. at the Conservation Garden Park, 8275 S. 1300 West, West Jordan.
(more…)Gov. Cox ceremonially signs bills focused on water
Published 04-26-23
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…)7 ways to protect water resources in honor of Earth Day
Published 04-21-23
April 22, 2023 — Earth is a watery place. When we look at a photo from space, it’s easy to see that our planet has more water than land. But of all the water on Earth, more than 99-percent of it is unusable by humans and many other living things. It’s surprising that the water that supports all terrestrial and aquatic life on our planet is actually so scarce!
(more…)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.
(more…)Now Accepting Applications Utah Growing Water Smart Workshop, June 6-8, 2023
Published 02-24-23
(Feb. 24, 2023)
The Division of Water Resources is pleased to support the Utah Growing Water Smart Program in conjunction with Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy, a Center of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, Western Resource Advocates, and Utah State University’s Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping. Learn more about the June workshop by visiting Growing Water Smart.
(more…)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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