For Immediate Release
September 5, 2023
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Water Ways today announced it has hired Tage Flint as the nonprofit’s first Executive Director. Tage Flint brings over 35 years of experience in water resource management to the role, most recently serving as the CEO and General Manager of the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District.
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Utah Water Conditions Update
Published 08-14-23
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…)Gov. Cox issues declaration giving thanks for record breaking water levels, asks Utahns to join in prayers of thanksgiving
Published 06-29-23
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…)Utah Division of Water Resources Introduces a Way to Report “Water Wins”
Published 05-17-23
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…)Gov. Cox appoints Brian Steed as new Great Salt Lake commissioner
Published 05-15-23
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…)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 nation’s first 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:
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