The Utah Division of Water Resources reported that with shorter days and cooler evenings, landscape water requirements are decreasing. The division advises that irrigation timers be reduced or turned off to prevent overwatering and points residents and water providers to its Weekly Lawn Watering Guide for general recommendations as they prepare for the upcoming water year.
Conditions at a glance show statewide reservoir storage averaging 50% full (excluding Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge). According to the division, this level is 9% lower than normal for mid-September and 13% lower than the same time last year. In addition, 100% of the state remains in some level of drought, and 1,190 wildfires have been reported so far this year.
The division noted that Utah’s hydrologic “water year” runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30. A water year is the 12‑month period used to measure precipitation totals in a way that aligns with the growing season and typical runoff patterns. As the current water year closes, water managers assess cumulative precipitation, streamflows and reservoir storage to establish a baseline for the upcoming winter snowpack season.
Soil moisture is highlighted as a key factor for next spring’s runoff efficiency. When mountain soils are moist before the ground freezes, more snowmelt can flow directly into streams and reservoirs rather than soaking into dry soils. August monsoonal storms improved mountain soil moisture levels for most of the state, providing a more favorable setup heading into winter.
Reservoir dynamics vary across Utah based on size and purpose. Large, multi‑year reservoirs such as Strawberry, Flaming Gorge and Jordanelle provide carryover storage across dry periods, while smaller one‑ to two‑year reservoirs are more dependent on annual snowpack and can draw down rapidly during dry conditions. Current average storage is 50% (excluding Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge), 9% below normal and 13% below last year. Palisade State Park’s boat ramp is closed, with the reservoir at 4% of capacity, and boaters are advised to monitor the Division of State Parks’ boat ramp conditions webpage. With harmful algal blooms occurring in various locations, the division urges the public to learn how to identify blooms and check current advisories at HABs.utah.gov.
The division also reported that Pineview Reservoir is being drawn down to enable essential construction and maintenance on a municipal drinking water pipeline that runs beneath the reservoir. Project information, projected reservoir levels and construction updates are available at OgdenCityPipeline.com.
Secondary water supplies are tapering for the season. The Davis and Weber Counties Canal Company shut down its secondary water systems on Sept. 15 due to a smaller‑than‑normal snowpack and runoff combined with a hot, dry summer. Other agencies may have similar shutdown dates, and customers are encouraged to stay in close contact with their water providers for local guidance.
Streamflow observations reflect continued drought impacts across several basins. Recent snapshots include: Bear River natural flow near 400 cfs (about 29% of flow rights); Upper Provo River natural flow of 7.4 cfs (about 2.4% of flow rights), with summer monsoons having provided only temporary increases; Upper Duchesne River natural flow of 319 cfs (about 27.1% of flow rights), trending below averages for normal and wet years; and Upper Sevier River natural flow of 62 cfs (about 10% of first‑class flow rights), less than half of flows recorded during the 2021 drought year. A detailed statewide river conditions report is available at the division’s linked resource.
Looking ahead to fall, the division notes it is a favorable season for establishing waterwise perennials, shrubs and trees, as cooler air and soil temperatures promote root establishment with lower water demand. Ongoing programs such as the Agricultural Water Optimization Program for producers and SlowTheFlow.org resources for residents are intended to educate and incentivize water‑saving practices, supporting drought resilience and preparedness for future conditions. Additional indoor water‑saving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.