Rockport Reservoir in the morning as the sun rises with heavy cloud coverage

Drought Update 09/17/26

Published 09-17-26

SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 17, 2026) – As autumn approaches and nighttime temperatures cool down, the Utah Division of Water Resources reminds Utahns to adjust their irrigation habits and prepare for the upcoming water year.

“With shorter days and cooler evening temperatures, landscape water requirements decrease significantly,” Joel Williams, director at the Division of Water Resources, said. “Irrigation timers should be adjusted down or turned off. Leaving automatic sprinklers on summer schedules leads to wasteful overwatering. Follow our Weekly Lawn Watering Guide for general recommendations”

Conditions at a Glance

  • Statewide reservoir storage is at 50%
  • 1,190 wildfires have been reported this year
  • 100% of the state is in some form of drought

The New Water Year Begins October 1

Utah’s hydrologic “water year” runs from Oct.1 through Sept. 30. A water year is a term used to describe a time period of 12 months where precipitation totals are measured. It coincides with the growing season, when the water collected is used up and then the water year starts over. As we close out the current water year, water managers assess cumulative precipitation, streamflows and reservoir storage to establish a baseline for the upcoming winter snowpack season.

Soil Moisture: The Foundation for Next Spring’s Runoff

Soil moisture levels in late fall play a critical role in determining how much water reaches our reservoirs during next spring’s snowmelt. When mountain soils are moist before the ground freezes, melting snowpack in the spring flows directly into streams and reservoirs rather than soaking into dry dirt like a sponge. August monsoonal storms improved mountain soil moisture levels for most of the state, providing a solid foundation ahead of winter.

Reservoir Storage & Reservoir Dynamics Across Utah

Reservoir dynamics vary across the state based on size. Large, multi-year reservoirs (such as Strawberry, Flaming Gorge, and Jordanelle) provide carryover storage across multiple dry years and buffer against single-season deficits. Smaller 1- to 2-year storage reservoirs drain rapidly during dry periods and rely heavily on annual snowpack to refill.

  • Reservoir storage averages 50% full (excluding Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge), which is 9% lower than normal for this time of year, and 13% lower than the same time last year. 
  • The boat ramp at Palisade State Park is closed, and water level is at 4%. When reservoirs reach low levels, some parks are forced to close their boat launch ramps in order to help better protect visitors and their property. Visit the Division of State Parks boat ramp conditions webpage for more information. 
  • Because Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are happening across the state, residents are urged to learn how to identify them and find current water advisories at HABs.utah.gov. 

Pineview Reservoir Drawdown

In addition to seasonal irrigation demands, Pineview is being drawn down to allow Ogden City to perform essential construction and maintenance on a municipal drinking water pipeline that runs beneath the reservoir. Residents can learn more about the project, view projected reservoir levels and follow construction updates at OgdenCityPipeline.com.

Fall is Prime Time for Waterwise Planting

Fall is the best season in Utah to plant waterwise perennials, shrubs and trees. Cooler air and soil temperatures allow roots to establish safely without the heat stress of midsummer, ensuring plants thrive with less water by next spring.

Secondary Water

Davis and Weber Counties Canal Company shut down its secondary water systems on Sept. 15 due to the smaller than normal snowpack/runoff, plus a hot, dry summer. Other agencies may have similar shut off dates for secondary water. The state recommends staying in close contact with your water provider to be aware of any guidance for secondary water. 

River Conditions Reflect Continued Drought Across Utah

As Utah moves through September, drought conditions continue to affect streamflows and water distribution across several major river systems. Conditions vary by basin, with snowpack, late-summer precipitation and storage releases influencing water availability. 

Key Observations from Around the State

  • Bear River – Natural flow is 400 cfs, providing about 29% of direct flow rights. Conditions are similar to the average 2020 water year, with better snowpack, summer rainstorms and storage releases helping support flows.
  • Upper Provo River – Natural flow is 7.4 cfs, providing about 2.4% of direct flow rights. Summer monsoons have temporarily increased flows, but drought conditions continue without additional moisture.
  • Upper Duchesne River – Natural flow is 319 cfs, providing about 27.1% of direct flow rights. Flows remain below those seen during average and wet years and have steadily declined through the summer.
  • Upper Sevier River – Natural flow is 62 cfs, providing about 10% of first-class direct flow rights. Flows are less than half those recorded during the 2021 drought year as drought conditions persist.

For detailed river system statistics and conditions, see the full report here.

Conservation Efforts

The state continues to promote initiatives such as the Agricultural Water Optimization Program for farmers and SlowtheFlow.org for residents. These programs aim to educate and incentivize water-saving practices, helping Utahns become more drought-resilient and better prepared for future conditions. Many indoor water-saving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.  

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For more information, contact Michael Sanchez, public information officer, at 385-226-8967 or email MASanchez@utah.gov.  

Willard Bay State Park with a beach in the foreground

Escalating fire danger and drought strain resources ahead of holiday weekend

Published 07-02-26

SALT LAKE CITY (July 2, 2026) – With critical fire danger escalating across the state and drought conditions straining water supplies, officials are urging all residents to exercise extreme caution this holiday weekend. As fire activity intensifies, please recreate responsibly to help prevent new wildfire starts while crews manage ongoing incidents. 

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Drought Update 05/14/26

Published 05-27-26

SALT LAKE CITY (May 14, 2026) – As temperatures heat up, Utahns are urged to be water-conscious and aware of the various impacts of drought this late spring/early summer. The state anticipates drought conditions to worsen, causing stress on wildlife, recreation, and water supply. Drying vegetation will also create the conditions for increased fire danger. Currently, 100% of the state is in some form of drought, and 59% is in extreme drought. 

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Image shows Echo Reservoir Boat ramp with mountains in the background

Drought Update 04/23/26

Published 04-23-26

SALT LAKE CITY (April 23, 2026) – In a typical year, Utah’s runoff – which refills our reservoirs – would just be getting underway. However, due to record-low snowpack and record-high temperatures, peak runoff has already come and gone. While larger reservoirs with multiple years of storage are doing well, smaller reservoirs with one or two years of storage capacity are struggling.  

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Image shows Echo Reservoir from a plan with snow on the mountains

Wings Over Weber ASO Project: A new era of snow measurement for the Great Salt Lake Basin 

Published 03-10-26

The Utah Division of Water Resources has partnered with Weber Basin Water Conservancy District and the Great Salt Lake Commissioner’s Office to expand and explore the use of Airborne Snow Observatories (ASO) technology in the Great Salt Lake Basin. This ASO project,  known as “Wings over Weber”, is the second of its kind in Utah and the first focused on a watershed within the GSL Basin. The project is funded, in part, by a grant from the Bureau of Reclamation.

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picture shows an image of a mountain range in Kamas. It shows a very small amount of snow on the mountains.

Utah Water Conditions Update December 2025

Published 12-18-25

SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 18, 2025) – A warm and dry December and November have left the state with below-normal snow totals. While this is a reason for concern, two or three good storm cycles could bring the state up to normal levels. Utah’s snowpack typically peaks around the beginning of April. 

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Picture shows a river with plants on the banks of the water

Water Conditions Update – July 22, 2025

Published 07-22-25

SALT LAKE CITY (July 22, 2025) – 100% of the state is in moderate to severe drought. On average, our reservoirs have dropped around 10% between June 1 and July 1. Typically, reservoirs drop around 2% during the same period. This is due to increased demand and an inefficient spring runoff earlier this year. 

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Picture shows East Canyon State Park with mountains in the background on a sunny day.

Utah Water Conditions Update July 2025

Published 07-01-25

SALT LAKE CITY (July 1, 2025) – With the peak of summer ahead, state water officials are planning for hot, dry weather driving up demand. With drought conditions persisting across the state, using water wisely is more important than ever. Storms in the southern part of the state have improved the situation, while drought conditions have worsened in the northern part of the state. Overall, 91% of the state remains in moderate to severe drought.

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7 ways to protect water resources in honor of Earth Day

Published 04-21-25

April 21, 2025 — 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! 

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image show a waterwise yard with a central grassy area

Residents of Utah Saved Over 100 Million Gallons of Water Through Landscape Conversions in 2024 

Published 04-17-25

SALT LAKE CITY (April 17, 2025) – Over 100 million gallons of water will be saved each year through landscape conversions in the 2024 Landscape Incentive Program. This vital initiative, led by the Utah Division of Water Resources and Central Utah, Jordan Valley, Washington County, and Weber Basin Water Conservancy Districts, empowers residents and businesses to save water while reducing water bills and contributing to Utah’s long-term water resilience. 

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