As we’ve tracked Utah and national news through 2023, we have compiled some of the key water issues and topics that have appeared in media outlets this year.
An Unprecedented Wet Winter
After a remarkably snowy winter, for the first time in three years, no area in Utah is in severe or extreme drought. This resulted in some flooding throughout the state. Most of Utah’s reservoirs re-filled, and Utah’s water situation was much improved. Wetter-than-normal spring and summer seasons continued to improve Utah’s water supply.
Addressing Water Levels at Great Salt Lake
This winter, the berm separating the north and south arms of the lake was raised, to help address dangerous salinity levels in the south arm. As a result, lake levels increased 5.5 feet on the south arm, but only about a foot on the north arm. Legislation was passed to create better outcomes on the lake, including the creation of a Great Salt Lake Commissioner. Non-profits stepped in to bring water to the lake.
Water Quality Challenges
States must now take a more significant role in managing water quality, as the Supreme Court narrowed the scope of the Clean Water Act. PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” caused policy changes in use of certain ski waxes in Park City and received additional funding to help decontaminate Utah’s drinking water. An E. Coli outbreak in Lehi was caused by contaminated irrigation water, and harmful algal blooms still appeared in Utah lakes and reservoirs this year.
Water Conservation Efforts Still Needed
Some small towns still experienced water shortages this year. Francis City and Apple Valley saw critically low water tanks, causing a halt on all outdoor watering and a boil water order, respectively. Even with increased water supply, conservation programs and efforts by the state and cities are creating more resources and incentives for using less water.
Agricultural Irrigation Opitmization
Programs were established to save water used by farmers and ranchers in the state. Ag optimization grants offered by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food hope to save more than 60,000 acre-feet of water. A federal Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program is also providing farmers in the West more options for water conservation.