Recent Updates (as of 08/27/26)
- While recent monsoon rains have reduced demand on local supply and storage in some areas, it will not be enough to pull Utah out of the drought. Reservoirs and lakes will continue to decline until October, when irrigation season ends.
- While monsoon rains can provide some relief, they also bring unpredictable weather conditions. It is important to stay informed and prepared for potential risks such as flash flooding. Please visit beready.utah.gov for resources and tips on staying safe during these weather patterns.
- Utah has experienced 1,028 wildfires that have burned over 553,150 acres this year. Three of the top 10 largest wildfires in state history have burned this season: the Cottonwood fire (96,181 acres), the Babylon fire (102,854 acres), and the Widemouth 2 fire (129,742 acres). More than 200 structures have been lost statewide, and we have tragically lost four federal wildland firefighters on the Snyder Fire and two pilots supporting the Widemouth 2 Fire. Utahns are encouraged to continue practicing Fire Sense, as wildfire activity remains significant and conditions can change quickly.
- Reservoir storage averages 52% full, which is 15% lower than normal for this time of year, and 18% lower than the same time last year.
- At Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation, low water levels are creating new terrain and boating hazards. The boat ramp is open, but needs constant attention. When reservoirs reach low levels, some parks are forced to close their boat launch ramps in order to help better protect visitors and their property. Visit the Division of State Parks boat ramp conditions webpage for more information.
- Because Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are happening across the state, residents are urged to learn how to identify them and find current water advisories at HABs.utah.gov.
- In Utah, about 95% of our water supply comes from snowpack. Reservoir storage helps us preserve that water for use in dry summer months and drought years. To encourage water conservation among Utahns, the Department of Natural Resources continues to promote initiatives such as the Agricultural Water Optimization Program for farmers and SlowtheFlow.org for residents. These programs aim to educate and incentivize water-saving practices, ensuring Utahns become more drought-resilient and prepare for future conditions. Many indoor water-saving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.
- The Division of Water Rights and water commissioners monitor streamflows, administer water rights, and work closely with water users throughout the irrigation season. River conditions will evolve as summer progresses, with streamflows influenced by remaining reservoir operations, localized precipitation, and ongoing irrigation demand. For detailed river system statistics and conditions, see the full report here.
- Check out the Department of Natural Resources’ latest article: Drought in Utah
Current Conditions
Reservoir Levels
Reservoirs collect and store water for drinking, irrigation for farms and ranches, and provide minimum flows for fish health.
Snowpack
95% of Utah’s water comes from snowpack. The NRCS Snow Survey Program provides mountain snowpack data critical for water supply management, conservation planning, drought prediction and more.
Drought Monitor
The U.S. Drought Monitor is a national drought map that categorizes drought into four categories: moderate, severe, extreme, and exceptional.
Water Conditions Monitoring
The Division of Water Resources, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, and the Utah Climate Center host a committee to collect weather conditions around the state.
Wildfire
In Utah, more than half of the wildfires are human-caused. Please be vigilant and use good Fire Sense to help prevent human-caused wildfires.
Great Salt Lake
Extended drought conditions contributed to the decline of lake elevation levels. The Great Salt Lake website centralizes the tools, efforts and organizations that are working to protect and preserve the lake.
Be Waterwise
Weekly Lawn Watering Guide
This guide uses weather pattern data to customize watering recommendations for each county, for traditional and low-water lawns.
Slow the Flow
Water-saving tips, tools and rebates to help Utahns slow the flow and use this precious resource wisely.
Impacts & Restrictions
Recreational Impacts
Low water levels can impact recreation. Know before you go and avoid boat ramp closures and other surprises.
Your Water Supply
Water sources and conditions vary across the state. Restrictions are determined and enforced at the local level, which allows for customization according to the area’s water supply conditions.
Wildlife & Agriculture Impacts
Drought affects fish, wildlife and agriculture. For example, as water levels drop, water heats up and can be fatal to fish, which may result in changes to fishing limits. Cuts to water use may also impact farmers.
Water Rights
Utah follows the Doctrine of Prior Appropriation, meaning water is delivered based on seniority. Prior appropriation provides a clear framework for allocating water during times of scarcity – “first in time, first in right”.