Lehi residents should continue adhering to Phase 2 outdoor watering limits through the summer, as Utah grapples with persistent drought conditions that show no immediate signs of easing. As of June 16, 2026, the U.S. Drought Monitor classified 56.5% of Utah in severe drought (D2) and 37.5% in extreme drought (D3), with the entire state experiencing some level of dryness.
Current watering restrictions in effect
Lehi City Public Works has maintained Phase 2 of its Water Shortage Management Plan since April 2026, triggered by record-low snowpack and early heat. Under this moderate shortage phase, sprinkler irrigation is restricted to two days per week with at least 48 hours between cycles and no consecutive-day watering. The rules apply to all residential, commercial, and municipal users of the city's pressurized irrigation system.
Details of the management plan
The city's revised April 2026 Water Shortage Management Plan outlines clear actions for each phase. Phase 2 focuses on mandatory limits for lawn watering while encouraging voluntary conservation for other uses. Phase 3 would further restrict watering to one day per week and ban most hard-surface washing. Lehi officials review conditions at the start of each peak-usage month using data from the Provo River Water Users Association and internal monitoring.
Regional reservoir storage levels
Reservoir levels supplying the region remain a key concern. As of June 23, 2026, Jordanelle Reservoir held about 238,279 acre-feet or 75.88% of capacity, while Deer Creek Reservoir was at roughly 78.09% full, according to Central Utah Water Conservancy District data. Statewide reservoir storage averaged 68% full in recent updates from the Utah Division of Water Resources—7% below normal for the time of year and 18% lower than the prior year—with levels dropping at an accelerated rate due to high temperatures and demand.
No new mandates or rate changes
No new statewide or Lehi-specific watering mandates or utility rate adjustments have been announced for summer 2026. City communications emphasize following the weekly lawn watering guide at conservewater.utah.gov and delaying full irrigation startup until necessary. Hand watering for trees, shrubs, or new plantings remains permitted outside the restrictions.
Penalties for violating watering rules
Enforcement includes warnings for first violations, $100 fines for the second, and $500 fines for subsequent offenses. Exceptions apply for new sod or seed establishment and system testing. Residents can monitor updates via the city's website, social media, or direct notifications.
Advice for future water conservation
With projections indicating continued pressure on supplies, Lehi water users are advised to track monthly phase determinations and conserve proactively to avoid escalation to more stringent Phase 3 rules.
