Moab, Utah braces for possible water restrictions as megadrought persists

Mayor Joette Langianese warned Moab residents that the city could move from an advisory water‑use status to a warning level before the end of summer, triggering mandatory restrictions. The city’s water‑conservation plan, required every five years for state funding, is being drafted with a July 15 deadline for the draft and a final submission by mid‑December.

If a warning level is declared, restrictions could limit private and common‑area lawn watering to nighttime hours, curb vehicle washing to commercial car‑washes, and reduce the use of misters, toys and sprinklers by 15 %. Fines would start at $250 for violations, with higher penalties for repeat offenses. Councilors emphasized education over punitive measures while the city seeks public input on the draft plan.