Kanab Creek-Virgin River Basin

All reservoirs levels are somewhat less than last year when all filled in May . River flows in the rivers are lower than 9 years out of 10 and significantly below last year.  Cities relying on the Navajo Sandstone wells and springs will have an adequate supply this year since the regional aquifer is affected by multiple-year rather than single year droughts.  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 as of May 1st: Gunlock 85%, Kolob 75%, Quail Creek 85%, Sand Hollow 94%. Although the culinary water providers feel that their supplies will meet demand, the picture is less certain for agriculture. Because this is the first year of drought following two good water years, beginning reservoir storage will be very important to the water supply this year.  The area is still experiencing significant growth and most water providers have diversified their sources of supply in order to reduce the risk of drought.