Water Conservation and Drought Response
Current Drought Status
Frequently Asked Questions
Utah is currently experiencing ongoing drought conditions, driven by a record-dry winter and below-normal snowpack levels. These factors mean significantly less water is available to support communities, landscapes, and regional water systems.
Due to ongoing severe drought conditions, the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District (JVWCD) and its member agencies, including Midvale, have issued a Water Supply Availability Level 2 (Severe) for communities across the region.
This designation means all member cities must work together to achieve a 10% reduction in water use to help protect our shared water supply and prevent reservoir levels from dropping too low.
We are asking the community to reduce water use by 10%, with a focus on outdoor watering, which accounts for about 60% of water use. This is a community-wide ask, including residents, businesses, and government agencies. This guidance reflects early implementation of Level 2 response actions to reduce demand and protect remaining water supplies.
Impact on Residents and Billing
What This Means for You
At this time, we are not enforcing mandatory restrictions. However, we are asking everyone in Midvale to make thoughtful adjustments to how and when water is used, especially outdoors.
As part of this effort, the City has implemented a 25% drought surcharge on Tier 2, 3, and 4 water usage, effective on your June billing cycle.
This approach is designed to encourage conservation while keeping things fair:
Your monthly base charge ($30) remains the same
Tier 1 water usage is not subject to the drought surcharge
The 25% surcharge applies only to Tier 2, 3, and 4 water usage
The more water you use beyond essential indoor needs, the greater the impact on your bill
In simple terms, using water efficiently keeps costs down, while excessive use, particularly outdoor watering, will cost more. It’s a way to align our shared goal of conservation with everyday choices at home and in business.
Recommended Watering Schedule
Simple Changes that Make a Big Difference
We’re asking residents to start with a few straightforward steps:
Now - May 15: Wait to Water
Please delay outdoor watering until May 15. In most cases, early spring watering isn’t necessary. Cooler temperatures and natural moisture are usually enough to support lawns coming out of dormancy.
If needed, trees, perennials, vegetable gardens, and newly planted landscaping (less than two years old) can be watered by hand.
May 15 – September 15: Water Less
Once watering begins, we encourage you to:
Limit watering to no more than two days per week or reduce your current watering schedule by at least one day
Prioritize trees, plants, and gardens over lawns
These small changes, when adopted across the community, can significantly reduce overall water use.
Municipal Conservation Efforts
How the City Is Conserving Water
We are actively adjusting irrigation practices to reduce water use while still maintaining safe and usable public spaces.
The City will not begin routine watering until May 15; however, sod at the cemetery may be watered as needed.
Some high-activity or functional turf areas may receive limited irrigation when necessary.
We’re working to strike a balance, reducing water use while maintaining the public spaces our community relies on.
Importance of Conservation
Why This Matters
Water is one of our most important shared resources. Acting now helps us:
Stretch limited supplies through the summer
Protect long-term water reliability
Avoid stricter restrictions later
This isn’t about perfection, it’s about being mindful. If each of us makes a few small adjustments, the collective impact is significant.
Community Outreach
Help Spread the Word
Help us spread the word about the importance of conserving water. Download and print the Hey Neighbor! flyer for your neighbors. Printed copies are also available at City Hall.
Water Conservation Resources
We are dedicated to using water wisely and valuing our vital resources. Your participation is crucial to achieving our conservation objectives. By adopting water-saving practices, you can save money, decrease energy consumption, and help protect our environment. Learn more about Water Conservation Resources.
