Emergency Declaration Opens Federal Aid for Agriculture

Utah Governor Spencer Cox issued an emergency declaration Thursday in response to statewide drought conditions affecting every county, where warm winter temperatures limited snowpack and reduced water supplies in rivers and streams.

The declaration allows farmers and ranchers to access federal funding and loans administered by state agencies. Cox used the announcement to call on residents to reduce outdoor water consumption and consider replacing grass lawns with drought-resistant landscaping.

Snowpack Depletion Forces Reliance on Reservoirs

Speaking at Little Dell Reservoir east of Salt Lake City, the governor described mountain snowpack as the state’s primary water source, providing approximately 95 percent of Utah’s supply. With that resource depleted, officials are now drawing from reservoir storage to meet demand.

State data shows reservoirs currently at just above 70 percent capacity, roughly 15 percent below levels recorded at this time last year. When factoring in Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Lake Powell, the median drops to about 60 percent.

Cox emphasized the need for conservation across all water users, stating current reservoir levels can sustain the state through the year only if consumption is carefully managed.

Local Water Restrictions Already in Effect

While the governor stopped short of imposing statewide restrictions, several local jurisdictions have implemented their own measures. Midvale enacted a 25 percent surcharge for excessive outdoor water use. The Weber Basin Water Conservancy District ordered a 20 percent reduction in northern Utah, and the town of Emery shut off secondary household water for outdoor purposes.

Laura Briefer, director of Salt Lake City’s public utilities department, noted residents began heavy outdoor watering in May at levels typically seen in June. The city has required government facilities to cut water use by 10 percent and set a conservation target of 10 million gallons per day for the broader community.

Briefer said whether the city moves to stricter drought measures depends on public response to current conservation requests.

Agricultural Water Use Defended

The governor addressed criticism aimed at agricultural water consumption, defending farmers and ranchers as the most committed conservationists in the state. Cox, who farms near Fairview, said his own fields are operating at half their normal production this year.

Agricultural water users have faced mandatory reductions during dry years under the state’s water rights priority system. Some have participated in voluntary programs that provide reimbursement for irrigation system upgrades or compensation for leaving fields fallow.

Cox also responded to concerns about proposed industrial water use, specifically referencing a Box Elder County data center project. He maintained the facility would consume less water than current ranching operations in the area.

Limited Relief Expected

Spring rainfall during the announcement provided minimal benefit, as warmer temperatures prevent precipitation from contributing to snowpack accumulation. Weather forecasts suggest southern and eastern portions of the state may receive above-average summer rainfall, but officials expect limited impact on overall water availability.

Cox warned that winter weather patterns remain unpredictable, emphasizing the importance of conservation measures regardless of future precipitation.

Approximately two-thirds of residential water consumption occurs outdoors, according to state figures. The governor said decisions on mandatory restrictions rest with local officials and water districts rather than state government.