Water conditions, fire season improving steadily in Utah

One of the most significant crisis points that Utah has faced in recent years is drought. The levels of water in state reserves, plus a wetter weather year than normal, have helped residents and businesses meet their water needs this year.

It’s also been a year where wildfires seem to have less of an effect on the atmosphere in the Beehive State, although forestry officials are pointing out that it was a more regular fire season compared to some past key years.

We wanted to provide a look at both of these developments in the state, so here is an overview from KSL NewsRadio and the Utah Division of Water Resources.

More on water and Utah 



According to the Utah Natural Resources Conservation Service, the state was at 138% above average precipitation as of August, an improvement from last year. The record amount of snowpack in the state helped with this, as that moisture was absorbed in the soil and led to less runoff.

Instead, the snowpack went directly into reservoirs, lakes, and rivers around the state. This means that the reservoir storage for the state is at 81%, which is better than the 50% mark it reached last year, according to the Water Resources division.

Fire season effects in the state

Heat waves affect water reserves in several ways, including an increased risk of wildfires. Dry conditions without the proper reserves mean that dry conditions are more prevalent, plus ash and sediment runoff into water sources affect its quality and reduce storage capacity.

The Utah Division of Forestry characterized this year’s first season as usual, with 2017 and 2012 being chosen as heavier years. The lack of fires was attributed to better preparedness from the state and the Fire Sense education program for Utah residents. There was also more money that the Utah Legislature put aside for fighting fires in the future.

Helping you effectively manage resources

Part of what we do at UASD is to inform you with articles like these about environmental concerns, business developments, and government work within our state. Many factors lead to potential changes and adaptations for your special districts, so it’s best to keep abreast of Utah news that might affect your work.

We’ll be watching to see if other projects are being planned to help the state’s environment, especially on the federal front. Go to our website to follow us and see how we can help your district in various ways.