graphic shows the Jordan River with trees along the banks changing to fall colors. The sky is overcast.

Utah Water Conditions Update October 2025

Published 10-21-25

SALT LAKE CITY (October 21, 2025) – The beginning of our Water Year, which began on Oct. 1, has delivered outstanding early-season precipitation. This historic moisture has profoundly improved water conditions and significantly boosted the outlook for our region’s water supply. 

Recent storms have provided unprecedented rainfall for the month. Salt Lake City’s total precipitation for October stands at 4.95″, officially making it the wettest October on record over the last 151 years of data collection at the Salt Lake City Airport. This early accumulation is a powerful first step for the water year. 

“Yes, we can all collectively say ‘we needed this’ as we think about the recent storms and our water supply,” Candice Hasenyager, director at the Utah Division of Water Resources, said. “The recent storms are a great start to the water year, but we have a long road ahead.”

The Water Year is a 12-month cycle used by hydrologists to track water resources running from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. This timing is scientifically chosen because it captures the entire process, including fall and winter precipitation (such as snow) and the subsequent spring runoff, within a single reporting period. 

One of the most immediate and critical benefits of this early moisture is the saturation of our soils. Our soil moisture levels are 10% higher than in a typical year. In dry years, the ground acts like a sponge, absorbing much of the snowmelt before it can run off into reservoirs. Because our soils are now well-saturated, they are primed for a more efficient spring runoff. 

In Utah, about 95% of our water supply comes from snowpack. Reservoir storage helps us preserve that water for use in dry summer months and drought years. To encourage water conservation among Utahns, the Department of Natural Resources 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, ensuring Utahns become more drought-resilient and prepare for future conditions. Many indoor water-saving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.  

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The Utah Division of Water Resources is one of 10 divisions housed within the Department of Natural Resources. Tasked with planning, conserving, developing and protecting Utah’s water resources, the division serves as Utah’s water steward.

picture shows Great Salt Lake with Antelope Island in the background

Utah Water Conditions Update August 2025

Published 08-21-25

SALT LAKE CITY (August 21, 2025) – Utah’s reservoir levels are showing a drastic decline. Since June 1, the state has drawn down reservoirs at a rate more than double the normal rate. This is due to increased demand, lower-than-normal spring runoff and an extremely dry summer. 

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Make every drop count: Utah Division of Water Resources unveils new waterwise tools for homeowners

Published 07-23-25

Salt Lake City, Utah – Jul 23, 2025 – Ready to transform your yard into a beautiful, water-efficient oasis? The Utah Division of Water Resources is thrilled to announce the launch of three new resources designed to empower Utah homeowners in creating stunning, waterwise landscapes. Introducing the Waterwise Plant application, the comprehensive Homeowner Landscape Resources Guide and the engaging Waterwise Landscapes webinar series. 

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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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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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Don't get burned by zeroscape

Don’t get burned by zeroscape

Published 06-03-25

Nearly 60% of residential water use in Utah goes straight into the landscape, making it the single biggest opportunity for personal impact. In an effort to save water, many folks are ditching their lawns and going all-in on “zeroscapes” — think rocks instead of roots. While the intention is right, replacing greenery with gravel isn’t the eco-win it seems. Turns out, those rock gardens may be saving water but at the cost of other environmental benefits.

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Utah Water Conditions Update May 2025

Published 05-29-25

SALT LAKE CITY (May 29, 2025) – As we head into hotter months, we expect increased demand for water. With the state’s subpar snowpack, which feeds our reservoirs, continued water conservation will remain a top priority for the state. State agencies will continue to monitor conditions and assist communities where needed. The governor issued a drought declaration on April 24, which has now expired. 

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Gov. Cox Issues Drought Executive Order

Published 04-24-25

Water conservation critical as Utah’s water supply faces a drier year

Salt Lake City (April 24, 2025) – With low streamflow forecasts, increased water demand as temperatures rise and southern Utah experiencing extreme drought, Gov. Spencer J. Cox issued an Executive Order today declaring a state of emergency in 17 counties due to drought conditions. The counties include: Washington, Iron, San Juan, Kane, Juab, Emery, Grand, Beaver, Garfield, Piute, Millard, Tooele, Uintah, Carbon, Sevier, Sanpete and Wayne. This declaration reflects USDA’s disaster classifications that are informed by the U.S. Drought Monitor and NRCS’s water supply report.

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