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.

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Image show a spinkler watering a green lawn with a blue bar with white text saying Gov. Cox issues executive order to increase drought resiliency.

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.

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Picture show Governor Cox with the Lt. Governor signing bills with state agency professionals in the background.

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: 

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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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Third round of grant funding applications for the purchase and installation of secondary meters announced

Published 11-30-22

The funds will be distributed through the Board of Water Resources in an effort to increase water conservation statewide 

SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 30, 2022) – After two initial two rounds of funding, the Utah Division of Water Resources is opening up a third round of applications for the purchase and installation of secondary meters. Through the first two rounds, the Board of Water Resources authorized over $190 million towards this effort. Systems that have installed secondary meters have seen a 20-30% reduction in water use simply by informing customers how much water they use. These grant funds are for secondary water providers, not residents. 

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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!

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Image of Utah Division Of Water Resources logo and Flip Blitz logo

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.

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