2025 Drought Declaration

Dry soils reduce spring runoff effectiveness because the soils soak it up before it can reach reservoirs, streams, rivers and lakes.

With 13 counties in the state experiencing severe drought or worse and low snow water equivalent and streamflow forecasts in four additional counties, Gov. Spencer J. Cox issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency due to drought on April 24, 2025. This declaration raises awareness and allows drought-affected communities, agricultural producers and others to officially begin the process that may provide access to state or federal resources.

The last time conditions warranted a drought declaration was when Gov. Spencer J. Cox issued an executive order on April 21, 2022. At that time, nearly 100% of the state was in extreme drought.

At the time of the declaration in April 2025:

  • Thirteen counties in the state were in extreme or severe drought
  • Four additional counties had streamflow forecasts below 50% for the year
  • April peak snowpack was 44% of normal in southwestern Utah 
  • Drought has impacted the southern part of the state eight  of the last 10 years

The drought declaration is a recommendation of the Utah Drought Response Committee, co-chaired by Kris Hamlet director of the Utah Division of Emergency Management and Joel Ferry, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources.

How are water conditions monitored?

A Utah water conditions webinar is held on a monthly or more basis to monitor conditions. The Drought Response Committee meets twice a year, in March and October, to review conditions and any impacts due to water conditions. Based on the information from the March meeting, the committee met twice in April resulting in a recommendation to the governor to issue a drought declaration for portions of the state. The committee is required to meet state code and Utah’s Drought Response Plan, which requires the state to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies or disasters, with the primary objectives to save lives and protect public health and property. Once a drought declaration is formally issued by the governor, the committee continues to coordinate to meet needs due to drought conditions.

Agencies represented on the committee include the governor’s offices of Economic Opportunity and Planning and Budget, Division of Emergency Management, and the departments of Environmental Quality, Agriculture and Food and Natural Resources.

Water-saving Recommendations

Gov. Cox asks Utahns to use water wisely year-round. Find water-saving tips at SlowTheFlow.org. Simple things you can do right now include:

  • Wait to water
  • Fix leaks
  • Run full loads for dishwashers and washing machines
  • Turn off the water while brushing teeth, shaving, soaping up, doing dishes or rinsing vegetables
  • Reduce showers by at least one minute
  • Plan now for the irrigation season and consider implementing water-wise landscaping or purchasing a smart irrigation controller. Rebates are available that cover up to $100

Additional Resources

Reservoir levels – Reservoir levels vary statewide. As of April 28, 2025 most of Utah’s largest 42 reservoirs are at or above how full they typically are for this time of year. The past two years of high snowpack have filled reservoirs. Reservoirs allow the spring runoff to be captured and stored for use throughout the year and are part of an overall water management strategy. In Utah, we are either in drought or preparing for the next one, so we always need to use our water wisely.

SBA disaster loans – The U.S. Small Business Administration offers disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters located in regions affected by declared disasters like drought. SBA also provides eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with working capital to help overcome the economic injury of a declared disaster. (Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance.)

Farm Services Agency – Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. (Nurseries are eligible for SBA assistance in drought disasters.)