99% of the State of Utah is in severe drought, with over a third of the state already suffering extreme drought. Storage reservoirs have not been replenished over the winter.
Fox 13 from Salt Lake City reports that Governor Spencer Cox is warning that a state of emergency for drought will likely be declared again this year. Last year, the state of emergency caused by drought started in March.
People in Utah have stepped up when it comes to water conservation, saving millions of gallons of water last summer. This year, they are being asked to continue their efforts.
The legislature is looking at ways that agricultural water right holders can lease their water rights to environmental groups in order to protect the Great Salt Lake, which has dwindled from diversion, development, drought and climate change.
UPDATE:
A day after this was written, Governor Cox declared a state of emergency for drought. Source: https://www.ksl.com/article/50391232/cox-orders-another-emergency-drought-declaration-lake-powell-to-receive-more-water-
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