Governor issues emergency drought declaration for 17 counties in southern Utah

The Utah Department of Natural Resources held a Water Resources Board meeting on May 15, 2025, focusing on critical water management issues, including drought conditions, infrastructure planning, and cloud seeding efforts.

A significant topic of discussion was the ongoing drought in southern Utah, which prompted Governor Spencer Cox to issue an emergency drought declaration affecting 17 counties. The declaration, however, is set to lapse due to the absence of a special legislative session. The drought response committee plans to meet next month to reassess the situation and determine if a new emergency order is necessary. Officials emphasized that while the declaration raises public awareness about water scarcity, it also unlocks funding for emergency measures.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of accurate water forecasting. Discussions included the correlation of data between the Colorado River Authority and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). While a report has been compiled, further adjustments are needed to enhance accuracy, particularly in areas affected by water regulation and diversions.

In terms of infrastructure, the board is working on a unified water infrastructure plan aimed at creating a prioritized list of water projects for the next 20 years. An open application period for project submissions has recently concluded, and the board plans to present the submitted projects at the upcoming June meeting.

Cloud seeding efforts were noted as particularly successful this year, with ground generators operating for nearly 17,000 hours, surpassing historical averages. The board is also initiating an environmental study on cloud seeding, marking the first of its kind in Utah.

Additionally, the board is actively promoting water conservation through various outreach initiatives, including local classes on water-wise landscaping and upcoming events to encourage community participation in conservation efforts.

The meeting concluded with updates on the Colorado River negotiations, which are ongoing among the seven basin states. A consensus framework is expected to be developed by early June, with optimism expressed about reaching an agreement.

Overall, the meeting underscored the challenges and proactive measures being taken to address water resource management in Utah, particularly in light of ongoing drought conditions and the need for sustainable infrastructure planning.