Kanab Creek-Virgin River Basin

Reservoir levels are about the same as they were this time last year, if not slightly better. Flows in the rivers are lower than average, but not worse than last year. Cities relying on the Navajo Sandstone aquifer report that their wells are presently maintaining their levels. Municipalities and water providers have generally adopted tiered water rates designed to encourage conservation. Residents in the area seem to have developed a conservation ethic and many have expressed interest in low water use landscapes. There is some concern about the extent to which the mountain snow pack has melted early and the runoff, in large part, has been absorbed by the soil. Relative to their capacity reservoirs in the area have the following percentages: Gunlock 50%, Kolob 30%, Quail Creek 60%, Sand Hollow 20%. Although the culinary water providers feel that their supplies will meet demand, the picture is bleak for agriculture. While it is commonly heard that we are starting on the 6 th year of drought, one water provider was careful to point out that there have been only 2 years in the last 10 years with flows better than average. The area is still experiencing significant growth and most water providers are diversifying their sources of supply.