Work Plan for the Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Plan Now Complete

Published 04-15-24

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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Utah Water Conditions Update March 2024

Published 03-07-24

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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Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation Donates $2.2 Million to Water Conservation and Education Efforts in Utah

Published 02-28-24

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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Utah Water Conditions Update February 2024

Published 02-15-24

SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 15, 2024) – As we enter mid-February, Utah’s water supply exhibits promising signs of resilience and abundance. The state’s snowpack, consistently above normal levels for most regions, sets an optimistic tone for water conditions. 

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Utah Water Conditions Update

Published 01-18-24

SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 18, 2024) – Assessing Utah’s water conditions in mid-January reveals a unique narrative. While much of December witnessed scarce precipitation, the trajectory shifted with early January storms, bringing our snowpack to normal levels for much of the state. 

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Utah Water Conditions Update

Published 12-21-23

SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 20, 2023) – As of late-December, northern Utah has seen some positive progress in the snow season, while the southern part of the state is still recording below-normal numbers. With 105 days remaining until the typical peak snowpack, the state is planning for all scenarios. 

Statewide Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), which determines the amount of water available in the snow, is slightly below normal for this time of year. One notable highlight is soil moisture, which is in a favorable state. Adequate soil moisture supports healthy spring runoff, agricultural activities and sustaining ecosystems. 

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Utah Water Conditions Update

Published 11-30-23

SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 30, 2023) – As Utah approaches the end of fall, water experts are closely monitoring the state’s water conditions, presenting a mixed picture of hope and caution. 

Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), a critical metric for assessing water availability, currently stands at 39% below normal for this time of year. With 125 days remaining until the typical peak snowpack, the state is cautiously optimistic about the potential for a good snow year. 

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Utah Statewide Water Marketing Strategies: Dynamic Tools to Facilitate Water Marketing

Published 11-01-23

Draft Statewide Water Marketing Strategies Report, water marketing website, and dynamic resources. Please join us for a public open house on Nov. 7, details below.

SALT LAKE CITY, (Nov. 1) — The Board of Water Resources is pleased to announce pivotal milestones in water management with the release of the draft Statewide Marketing Strategies Report, online water marketing materials and dynamic resources for water users. With demand for water increasing, water marketing is one method of achieving multiple state-wide water priorities and policies. 

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Fall trees and grass

Get your grass ready for winter

Published 10-17-23

Healthy, functional lawn areas (sometimes referred to as turfgrass) perform a vital role in the urban landscape. Though grass doesn’t belong everywhere — and folks can get cash for tearing it out and replacing it with drought-tolerant landscaping in places where it’s not being used — lawns provide durable areas for outside play, as well as ecosystem services and benefits. That’s why we’ve teamed up with turfgrass science experts at USU Extension to put together these tips that’ll help you prep your grass for wintertime and increase its drought tolerance.

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Utah Water Conditions Update

Published 10-12-23

SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 12, 2023) – As the new water year begins, Utah reservoirs and soil moisture are in a good spot as water managers start tracking data such as snow accumulation, stream flows and soil moisture. 

“A water year, spanning from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, aligns with natural precipitation and snowmelt patterns, providing a holistic view of our water resources,” Candice Hasenyager, the director of the Division of Water Resources, said. “This timeframe allows water managers to assess reservoir levels, monitor precipitation patterns and plan strategically for the diverse water needs of our communities.”

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