- Utah’s snowpack was below average this year.
- Reservoirs are stable for now, but southern flows are low.
- The Sevier River hit an all-time low flow in May.
- The Great Salt Lake rose slightly but is now leveling off.
- State leaders urge outdoor water conservation as demand rises.
Friday, May 30, 2025 — As summer approaches, Utah water managers are preparing for a season of heightened demand on already strained resources. The Utah Division of Water Resources issued an update
yesterday, noting that while statewide reservoir levels remain generally healthy, southern regions are feeling the pressure from a disappointing snowpack and persistently low stream flows.
“The governor’s drought declaration sent a message to us all that water conservation is essential for Utah’s future,” said Candice Hasenyager, director at the Utah Division of Water Resources. Although the emergency declaration issued on April 24 has expired, concerns persist about meeting water needs during the upcoming hottest months. “Rising temperatures and increased demand will be a cause for concern this summer. Our reservoirs will get us through this year, but another year like this will stress our water supply,” Hasenyager added.
Sevier and Virgin Rivers Hit Critical Lows.
The southern half of the state continues to experience below-normal streamflows. In particular, the Virgin River has flowed well below average since January. Meanwhile, the Sevier River reached an all-time low in May, signaling deepening trouble for agricultural and ecological water users.
In response to diminished levels, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources made an emergency adjustment to the fishing limit at Crouse Reservoir, a signal of how low flows are beginning to impact outdoor recreation and wildlife management.
Great Salt Lake Sees Only Modest Gains.
After hitting a seasonal low last November, the Great Salt Lake rose by about 1.5 feet—a modest improvement. However, the Division notes that the lake’s growth has slowed considerably and appears to be leveling off.
Conservation Initiatives Urged for All Water Users.
State officials continue to promote conservation messaging, particularly for outdoor water use. Landscaping accounts for the bulk of residential demand. Hasenyager encouraged Utahns to explore programs such as SlowtheFlow.org, which provides resources and incentives for converting landscapes to drought-resilient designs. “Let’s be mindful of how we use water,” she said. “Most of our water use happens outdoors, start there.”
Roughly 95 percent of Utah’s water supply originates from snowpack. Reservoirs act as a seasonal savings account, storing snowmelt for use during dry months and drought periods. To maintain these reserves and protect future supplies, the state is promoting educational and incentive-based programs, including the Agricultural Water Optimization Program, which helps farmers adopt efficient practices, and a suite of tools for households on SlowtheFlow.org.
As water managers continue to monitor streamflows and reservoir levels, they emphasize that community awareness and proactive conservation remain key to enduring another dry year.
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