Utah, like the other western states, is dry this year. The State’s Division of Water Resources (DNR) says that 100% of the state is experiencing drought and is encouraging residents to conserve water.

DNR estimates that Utah could save more than 20 billion gallons of water every summer if everyone were to water according to a guide that it has implemented called “Slow the Flow.” In the State’s effort to encourage water conservation, “Slow the Flow” offers a weekly lawn watering guide and other resources such as an easy-to-use database on water wise plants to help conserve water.  It also offers clever slogans, such as “Water flowers, not cement.”

Governor Declares A Second State of Emergency; Water Restrictions.

While the “Slow the Flow” resources are generally upbeat, another State of Emergency was declared by  Governor Spencer Cox last week due to extreme drought conditions. The declaration is aimed to help victims get federal help.  Fox News 13 warned, “Utahns can expect new water restrictions and strict enforcement.”

The City of St. George, seat of Washington County, has enacted a “Time of Day” ordinance that limits outdoor watering to between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. to reduce water evaporation. This has created a new problem, with a quarter of water deliveries occurring between 4 and 6 in the morning, creating a pressure drop in the City’s distribution system.  The City is encouraging its residents to be a part of “The Fix — Don’t Water Between 4-6 AM.”