Conserving water has been increasingly crucial because of Utah’s population growth over the past five years. Growth and expansion have conservation specialists at odds with the outcome of Utah’s snowpack and how it will affect snow runoffs to streams and reservoirs.
According to the Utah Division of Water Resources, soil moisture levels were about 9% below normal before Thanksgiving. Since the soil is so dry, the ground will soak up the snow, potentially reducing runoff. Because of this, the state’s reservoirs will not get as much water as they need to refill with less runoff. Utah’s snow is crucial; snowpack and runoff account for almost 95% of Utah’s water supply.
Conditions can change from one winter storm to another, and the soil moisture levels rose with recent precipitation. According to a report from the National Resources Conservation Service, the snowpack in southwestern Utah is 114% of normal for this time of year. Despite this snowpack, Washington County is still listed in the moderate to severe drought category. This is important because residents of Iron County also receive their water from reservoirs in Washington County.
Along with the increase in snowpack, Utah reservoirs are currently 74% full, 20% higher than the average 54% for this time of year.
“Reservoir storage is above normal, which bodes well for next spring’s water supply,” Hasenyager said. “These conditions are encouraging as we look toward the months ahead. Let’s keep water in our reservoirs and remember to dial back our water use whenever possible.”
Current water levels in Washington County
— Quail Creek Reservoir is 62% full
— Sand Hollow Reservoir is 81% full
— Gunlock Reservoir is 44% full
— Kolob Reservoir is 65%
— Lower Enterprise and Upper Enterprise reservoirs are 14% and 37%, respectively.
Ways residents can conserve water
One of the best ways to instantly save water is to change grass laws to desert-friendly and water-efficient landscapes. Utah offers a rebate for lawn conservation through the Washington Water Conservancy District. The rebates consist of $2 per square foot for up to 5,000 square feet and $1 per square foot for more than 5,000 square feet. There has to be a minimum of 300 square feet to qualify for the rebate.
Residents can find rebates for water-efficient toilets and smart controllers to program watering times and update homeowners or renters about water leaks.
There are multiple ways to help conserve water, and Utah will need residents to be smart about their water usage to sustain acceptable water levels. The state offers a wide range of rebates that can help anyone save money and reduce the water used daily.
Author: Chevy Blackburn
Photographer: Anna Mower
Copy Editor: Kayd Johanson
outdoors@suunews.net
