SALT LAKE CITY — Water is flowing out of Utah’s reservoirs at more than double the typical rate, officials announced Thursday.
According to the Utah Division of Water Resources, that excessive drawdown since June 1 has led to a “drastic decline” in reservoir levels as the state deals with dry conditions and, thus far, very little precipitation this summer.
“Reservoirs are our first line of defense against drought and are vital for our communities and ecosystems,” said Candice Hasenyager, Utah Division of Water Resources director, in a statement. “The rapid decline we’re seeing is a clear signal that we must be more vigilant and use less water.”
Officials said statewide reservoir storage is currently at 67%, which is a little above normal for this time of year, but it’s much lower than the 83% storage that was reported last year at this same time.
Meanwhile, the Great Salt Lake sits about three feet above the record low level it hit a few years ago. Just this week, lawmakers advanced a bill giving the state more flexibility to raise the berm separating the northern and southern parts of the lake. Supporters said this will help regulate changing water levels and prevent salinity spikes, but opponents argued it will not help save the lake.
While precipitation in Utah has been scarce over the last few months, a change could be coming soon as monsoonal moisture is expected to move in late this week, according to the National Weather Service.
Still, Utah’s reservoirs and lakes are expected to keep dropping, Hasenyager said, “until temperatures cool and the irrigation season ends in October.”
For tips on saving water, visit the state’s Slow the Flow website.
