SANPETE COUNTY — Utah’s new water year has begun with a historic surge of moisture — and Sanpete County is among the areas benefiting from the early rain. State officials say October has already set records for precipitation, offering hope for a strong snowpack and healthier reservoir levels in the months ahead.

According to the Utah Division of Water Resources, this October has been the wettest on record in Salt Lake City, with 4.95 inches of precipitation measured so far — the highest total in 151 years of recordkeeping. That same weather system brought much-needed rain across central Utah, recharging local soils and streams and signaling a strong start to the 2025 Water Year, which runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30.

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

Hydrologists track Utah’s water resources on this October-to-September cycle to capture both winter snowfall and spring runoff in one reporting period. That’s especially relevant for Sanpete County, where local irrigation systems depend heavily on snowmelt from the Wasatch Plateau and surrounding mountains.

This fall’s early storms have already delivered a key benefit — soils throughout central Utah are much wetter than usual, currently about 10 percent above normal moisture levels. That means when the snow begins to fall later this year, more of it will run off into creeks, streams, and reservoirs instead of being absorbed into dry ground.

“In a dry year, the soil acts like a sponge, soaking up much of the snowmelt before it can reach our reservoirs,” Hasenyager explained. “With soils already saturated heading into winter, we’re set up for a much more efficient runoff season.”

That’s good news for local water systems such as Gunnison Reservoir, Piute Reservoir, Fairview Lakes, and smaller irrigation impoundments that supply farms and ranches throughout the Sanpete Valley. Many of these reservoirs saw lower levels during past drought years, but this fall’s precipitation could help them start the winter in better shape.

Statewide, about 95 percent of Utah’s water supply comes from snowpack, which feeds into reservoirs used through the summer and fall. The combination of wetter soils and early-season storms could set the stage for a more secure water year ahead — but officials continue to emphasize the importance of conservation.

Programs such as the Agricultural Water Optimization Program are helping Utah farmers adopt more efficient irrigation practices, while the state’s Slow the Flow campaign provides tips for homeowners on how to use water wisely both indoors and outdoors.

“These programs are helping people understand that saving water today makes us more resilient tomorrow,” Hasenyager said.

Local residents can find practical conservation advice — including leak repair, efficient appliance use, and landscaping ideas that thrive in Utah’s climate — at SlowTheFlow.org.

While the October rains have given the new water year a welcome boost, experts caution that winter snowpack will still be the deciding factor for 2026 reservoir levels and summer water availability.

For now, Sanpete County farmers, ranchers, and residents have reason to feel optimistic.

“This is exactly the kind of start we hope for,” Hasenyager said. “If these early storms are any indication, we could be looking at a much stronger water year — but it’s important to stay mindful and continue using water wisely.”