Price City officials are calling for increased water conservation efforts to protect the community's supply as the region faces ongoing drought conditions. The request follows a period of high drought intensity in Utah, with the city's water treatment plant requiring weekly maintenance that temporarily reduces available water flow.
Water Treatment and Maintenance
The Price City Public Works Department has issued a request for residents to practice water conservation to ensure a resilient and healthy community. The department's mission is to meet the expectations of sustainable living through effective results and collective action.
According to the Price City Public Works Department, the city's water treatment plant operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during the summer months to provide approved drinking water. However, the plant must undergo a temporary shutdown for several hours, typically on Sundays, to perform necessary maintenance. During these maintenance windows, the plant cleans, checks, resupplies, and secures its internal components to ensure continued water quality.
While the plant is shut down for these procedures, no water is being sent out, which reduces the total flow available to meet community demand. During these times, the city relies solely on spring water. The Public Works Department noted that during the summer, this supply may not be sufficient to maintain adequate levels in water storage tanks, making it critical that residents help "Slow the Flow" by refraining from outside watering on Sundays.
Statewide Drought Conditions
The need for conservation is underscored by significant drought activity across the state. According to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor released on August 6, 2026, Utah has faced varying levels of drought intensity. The data indicated that a significant portion of the state's area has been categorized under drought conditions, with a substantial percentage of the land area experiencing moderate to severe drought.
As of the August 4, 2026, data cycle, the Drought Monitor reported that 93.44% of Utah was experiencing some form of drought, with 34.81% of the state classified as experiencing moderate drought (D1) and 10.02% experiencing severe drought (D2). The monitor's data also highlighted that the state has consistently faced drought conditions throughout the summer, with cumulative percentages of drought-affected areas remaining high.
Historically, drought conditions in Utah can lead to a variety of impacts depending on their severity. According to the Drought Monitor, severe drought (D2) can result in poor air quality and dust problems, as well as inadequate pasture and water for cattle. Extreme drought (D3) can increase fire danger and lead to the implementation of fire bans on public lands, while exceptional drought (D4) can result in increased fire restrictions and cuts to irrigation water allotments.
City Governance and Leadership
Price City's leadership, including Mayor Terry Willis and five Council members, is responsible for reviewing public policy and adopting measures responsive to the community's needs. The City Council meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 185 East Main Street.
The city government is structured to serve the welfare of all citizens through communication, cooperation, and creativity. In addition to the Mayor and Council, the city maintains several specialized departments including Engineering, Fleet, Streets, and Water/Sewer to manage the community's infrastructure and essential services.
Public Works Infrastructure
The Public Works Department oversees several critical divisions to maintain city infrastructure. The Engineering Department provides civil engineering services, including planning, design, budgeting, and project management for the Public Works Division. The Street and Maintenance Department focuses on maintaining vehicle and pedestrian routes and water channels throughout the city.
Crews within the Streets department are trained to operate heavy and specialized equipment for paving streets, placing concrete, removing snow, clearing irrigation, and controlling flood routes. Additionally, the Fleet & Shop Department provides mechanical services to all city departments and employees, both in the shop and in the field.
Ongoing Monitoring
As the summer season continues, the city remains focused on ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water and the uninterrupted collection of wastewater. The Public Works Department continues to monitor water storage tanks to ensure that adequate levels are maintained for both drinking and fire protection purposes.
Community Resources
For residents seeking more information regarding water conservation or city services, the Price City Public Works Complex is located at 432 West 600 South. The city provides various resources, including water quality reports and conservation plans, to keep the community informed of environmental and utility status.
