As summer temperatures rise and Utahns turn to outdoor water use, state officials are urging residents to remain vigilant in their conservation efforts following a year of below-average snowpack that is already beginning to stress parts of the state’s water supply.

While the governor’s official drought declaration — issued April 24 — has now expired, the need for responsible water use is far from over.

“The governor’s drought declaration sent a message to us all that water conservation is essential for Utah’s future,” said Candice Hasenyager, director of the Utah Division of Water Resources. “Rising temperatures and increased demand will be a cause for concern this summer. Our reservoirs will get us through this year, but another year like this will stress our water supply.”

Reservoirs Holding, But Warning Signs Emerge

Despite healthy reservoir levels in many parts of the state, southern Utah is already feeling the impact of the subpar snowpack and below-average precipitation. Since snowpack is responsible for roughly 95% of Utah’s water supply, its scarcity raises red flags heading into the critical summer months.

The Virgin River, a key waterway in southern Utah, has been running well below normal since January, and the Sevier River hit an all-time low flow in May — a stark indicator of the dry conditions facing much of the southern region.

In response to these declining water levels, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has issued an emergency fishing regulation for Crouse Reservoir, temporarily increasing the catch limit to allow anglers to take advantage of available resources before water levels drop further.

Great Salt Lake Sees Modest Gain, But Slows

Meanwhile, the Great Salt Lake — often viewed as a barometer for Utah’s broader hydrological health — has seen a modest rise of 1.5 feet since hitting its seasonal low last November. However, the rate of increase has slowed considerably, and state officials believe the lake is now leveling off.

This leveling trend adds another layer of urgency to statewide conservation efforts. The lake’s levels are not just a scenic concern — they affect air quality, wildlife habitat, and water availability throughout the region.

How Utahns Can Help: Focus on Outdoor Use

With most of Utah’s water use happening outdoors, Hasenyager encourages residents to start there when looking for ways to conserve.

“Let’s be mindful of how we use water,” she said. “SlowtheFlow.org has incentives for drought-resilient landscapes, which can save water and money.”

Programs promoted through SlowtheFlow.org offer guidance and even financial incentives for homeowners and businesses to adopt water-wise practices such as:

• Installing drought-tolerant landscaping
• Upgrading to smart irrigation controllers
• Reducing unnecessary lawn watering
• Using mulch to retain moisture in soil

For those looking to conserve indoors, the website also features simple water-saving tips for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas.

Farmers Also Encouraged to Optimize Use

In addition to residential outreach, the Department of Natural Resources continues to promote the Agricultural Water Optimization Program — an initiative designed to help Utah’s farmers use water more efficiently through modern irrigation techniques and conservation-focused practices. Agriculture accounts for a significant portion of Utah’s total water use, and these programs aim to increase yields while reducing waste.

A Shared Responsibility

As Utahns head into another hot and dry summer, state officials stress that water conservation isn’t just a seasonal issue — it’s a long-term responsibility.

“Even in years when reservoirs are stable, we can’t let our guard down,” Hasenyager added. “We’re making progress, but Utah’s growing population and changing climate mean we all have a role to play in preserving this precious resource.”

To learn more about water-saving tips, drought updates, and conservation rebates, visit www.SlowtheFlow.org.