98% of Utah is still experiencing extreme and exceptional drought

Rockport Reservoir in June 2021. Photo: Weber Basin Water Conservancy District

PARK CITY, Utah. — The Utah drought is still ongoing. According to Utah Governor Cox, 98% of the state is still experiencing extreme and exceptional drought, the two worst categories. Utah precipitation is down 38% this year and reservoir levels continue to drop, with 26 of the largest 42 reservoirs below 55% capacity. The Great Salt Lake is now within three inches of its historic low recorded in 1963.

The state is developing a longer-term plan for water. Here are a few more simple tips from ‘Slow The Flow’ that can help:

• Fix leaks quickly: A leaky faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water and add costs to your water bill
• Add more mulch to your garden: Organic mulch can help reduce evaporation around your plants and shrubs. Use a drip system for even less waste
• Don’t over-water: More plants die from over-watering than under-watering
• Pull those weeds: Pesky weeds are more than just an eyesore. They siphon water from other healthy plants and shrubs. Fewer weeds mean all-around less water use for landscape

Visit water.utah.gov or Utah Water Savers for more information.