Late January Snowpack in the Uintas | Steve Smith
During this past year, several stories in the news centered on major issues affecting one of Utah’s scarcest resources: water. We followed the news cycle to find out which topics had the most coverage in Utah news outlets.
Drought Spreads Statewide
Utah experienced one of the driest summers on record in 2025, with the entire state classified in drought by early summer. Reservoir storage dropped to about two-thirds of normal, with some smaller reservoirs falling to 35% of capacity. Lake Powell also neared record lows, underscoring growing risks to hydropower, recreation, and water supplies. State officials emphasized the need for conservation, while Governor Cox publicly urged Utahns to “pray for rain” as part of a broader drought response.
Great Salt Lake and Statewide Efforts to Increase Lake Elevations
The Great Salt Lake returned to near-historic lows in 2025, falling just above 4,192 feet. State managers prepared to raise the railroad causeway berm if the lake dipped further. More efforts were made to build and expand water leasing programs. Governor Cox’s Great Salt Lake Charter continued to bring together business leaders, policymakers, and conservation groups to coordinate long-term strategies to raise lake levels. Utah also received $50 million from the Bureau of Reclamation to support the lake.
Colorado River Negotiations Continue
All seven basin states remained at the table to renegotiate the Colorado River Compact before the 2026 deadline. Lower Basin states proposed allocations based on a rolling three-year average of actual river flows, while Upper Basin states—including Utah—argued allocations should instead be tied to supply levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead. If consensus is not reached, federal intervention is likely.
Water Infrastructure and Planning
Utah launched the Unified Water Infrastructure Plan (UWIP) to prioritize and fund water projects statewide (H.B. 41). A $9.7 billion strategy was unveiled to meet future demand while protecting ecosystems. At the same time, the USDA awarded funds to four rural Utah communities for drinking water and wastewater improvements. State leaders also began studying a new infrastructure fee to bolster long-term water funding.
Water-Related Habitat Restoration Efforts
Major restoration projects advanced across Utah in 2025. The Provo River Delta project restored wetlands near Utah Lake, improving habitat for the threatened June sucker and migratory birds. Communities along the Jordan River Parkway removed thousands of pounds of trash while upgrading trails and access. Additional efforts on the Great Salt Lake, Virgin River, Escalante, Weber, and Bear Rivers reflected growing statewide momentum for tying water management to ecosystem restoration.