Utah Lake
(November 2004)

Water resource conditions in the Utah Lake Basin for the new water year beginning October 1, 2004 are summarized as having well below average reservoir storage and well above average precipitation. Three reservoirs provide water to areas of the Utah Lake Drainage Basin, Strawberry, Jordanelle and Deer Creek. Utah Lake also provides water to some areas in the Basin. As of November 1, Utah Lake is at 38% of capacity with 330,000 acre-feet, Deer Creek Reservoir is at 47% of capacity with 71,600 acre-feet, Strawberry Reservoir is at 68% of capacity with 755,000 acre-feet, and Jordanelle Reservoir is at 68% of capacity with 215,900 acre-feet.

October 1 st was the commencement of a new water year. Total precipitation for the 2005 water year is at 186 % of normal as of November 15. This is a great start but it is much to early to tell if this wetter trend will continue.

Utah County cities reported having an adequate water supply although they are experiencing either large depletions in flow from area springs or drawdown in groundwater wells when compared to previous drought years. Fortunately, most cities in the basin use a combination of springs, ground water wells, and surface water to meet the water demand. Cities are continuing efforts to provide secondary water systems to water lawns and gardens and to encourage conservation efforts through city ordinances and volunteer conservation measures.