Local water supply still vulnerable, experts say

SALT LAKE CITY—The Central Utah water outlook remains in flux as temperatures climb and snowpack begins its seasonal melt.

According to the Utah Department of Natural Resources, the state’s overall snow water equivalent currently sits at 82% of the normal peak, but conditions vary greatly by region.

While more than half of Utah is projected at 70-90% of average runoff, southwestern areas (Washington, Iron and other counties south of Sanpete County) are tracking below 30%, prompting officials to emphasize reservoir storage and conservation measures across the board.

“We may have peaked for the year,” said Jonathan Jennings, a meteorologist with the Utah Division of Water Resources. “With the warm week we have had, I don’t anticipate our snow-water equivalent to make a rebound above what has already melted in the last couple of days.”

Although Central Utah’s reservoir storage is about 20% above average for this time of year, officials warn the state’s water supplies are still vulnerable. The region’s mountain runoff plays a key role for farming communities in the Sevier River basin and other central valleys, where late-season storms and efficient water usage can prove critical in maintaining healthy reservoir levels.

In Utah, roughly 95% of water supplies stem from snowpack. Reservoirs help stretch available water for the drier months ahead, and state agencies encourage residents and farmers to implement water-saving strategies sooner rather than later.

Agricultural producers can explore the Agricultural Water Optimization Program, while homeowners are urged to visit SlowtheFlow.org for practical indoor and outdoor conservation tips.

For more information on statewide water data and drought conditions, visit drought.utah.gov or contact Michael Sanchez at (385) 226-8967, masanchez@utah.gov.