Utah is currently facing a period of intense heat and expanding drought, with approximately 91% of the state categorized in moderate or worse drought status. According to recent updates from Utah Water Users, this represents a significant increase from just 9% at the beginning of the water year.
Rising temperatures and dry conditions are contributing to increased wildfire risks across the state. Recent fire activity has already been noted, including the Forsyth Fire near Cedar City, which left a layer of ash in its wake.
Reservoir levels are beginning to recede following an early peak in the spring. While 14 of 22 federal reservoirs, including Rockport, Echo, and Deer Creek, reached full capacity in May or June, only three reservoirs—Strawberry, Jordanelle, and Scofield—remain above median storage levels as of July 1.
The combined storage of these 22 reservoirs is at 87% full, which is lower than the 95% recorded in 2023 and 98% from the previous year.
In terms of water law, the Utah Division of Water Rights is continuing its adjudication process to define and quantify existing rights. New adjudication areas have been created in southern Utah County, including Santaquin, Benjamin, Spanish Fork/Mapleton, and Payson/Salem. In the Benjamin area, water users must file claims by August 20, 2025.
Despite the current dry conditions, there is hope for moisture from the summer monsoon season. While June saw very little precipitation in many Utah watersheds, particularly in the Provo-Utah Lake-Jordan and Bear regions, southern areas received some much-needed storms.
Looking ahead, the Utah Water Summit is scheduled for September 22 at the Davis Convention Center with the theme: Our Very Existence Depends on Water.
