Utah Governor Spencer Cox declares statewide drought emergency

Utah Governor Spencer Cox issued an executive order declaring a statewide drought emergency as the entire state faces severe drought conditions. Snowpack on April 1 hit a record low of 2.7 inches of water equivalent – the lowest since the 1930s – cutting off the primary source of about 95 % of Utah’s drinking water. Reservoirs sit at roughly 70 % capacity.

The emergency order activates Utah’s emergency operations plan, unlocks funding, and directs the drought response committee to coordinate inter‑agency actions. It urges water suppliers and irrigation districts to promote efficient landscape watering, and asks municipalities to develop water‑restriction plans. Residents are advised to reduce outdoor water use, fix leaks, install smart controllers and adopt water‑wise landscaping. The order remains in effect for 30 days unless extended.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also designated most of Utah as a natural disaster area, allowing farmers and ranchers to apply for emergency loans. Earlier this month, Cox issued a separate emergency declaration to aid farmers in ten counties affected by late‑winter freezes. While recent late‑season storms have slowed the drought’s advance, officials say the overall water outlook remains grim.