Utah faces statewide drought as reservoirs hit 50% capacity

The entire state of Utah is currently experiencing drought conditions. As of mid-September, statewide reservoir storage—excluding Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge—averages 50% capacity, which is 9% lower than normal for this time of year and 13% lower than the previous year.

With the transition to autumn, the Utah Division of Water Resources is advising residents to adjust irrigation schedules. Joel Williams, director of the division, noted that shorter days and cooler evening temperatures significantly decrease landscape water requirements. Officials warn that maintaining summer sprinkler schedules leads to wasteful overwatering.

While established landscapes require less water during the fall, officials suggest that autumn is an ideal time to plant waterwise vegetation. Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials may still require regular watering to establish root systems before winter.

State officials are also monitoring soil moisture levels ahead of the upcoming water year, which begins October 1. Moist mountain soils are critical for ensuring that spring snowmelt flows into reservoirs rather than being absorbed by dry ground.