SLC.gov

March 19, 2026

With snow levels and early spring runoff well below average this year, Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced Salt Lake City will enter a Stage 2 Advisory for drought response today. It is the first time since October 2022 that the City has advised a Stage 2 response.

While the current overall water supply is good due to strong reservoir levels, snowpack stream flow volume is projected to be low in all Wasatch Mountains and streams. These support Salt Lake City’s water service area, with an average of 50-60% of the water supply in any given year. 

“Salt Lake City has always shown resilience in the face of challenges, and this moment is no different,” said Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “By taking thoughtful steps now, we can protect our water supply for the months ahead and potentially avoid more severe restrictions later. I’m asking every resident and business to be part of the solution.”

The recently updated Water Shortage Contingency Plan outlines five Water Shortage Response Stages triggered by water supply levels, stream flows, and water demand. It also recommends actions within each stage aimed at reducing water demand to levels that reflect current supply and future water needs. 

At this time in Stage 2, Salt Lake City is calling for a reduction of 10 million gallons of water per day. Residents and businesses can achieve this goal through voluntary reductions in indoor and outdoor water use. City facilities and government institutions are required to stay within their irrigation-only meter budgets and reduce indoor water use by 10%.

“Even with strong reservoir storage, the unusually low snowpack and reduced stream flows mean we need to act now to stretch our water resources,” said Laura Briefer, Director of the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities. “Saving water today helps ensure reliability for our community and contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Great Salt Lake.”

Besides the specific calls for action to government facilities, Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities is also asking residents, businesses, and other institutional customers to take action to help with water conservation:

• Check sprinkler systems: Identify broken or misaligned spray heads.
• Check for indoor leaks: Check indoor faucets and fixtures for leaks and repair promptly.
• Delay outdoor watering: Lawn irrigation can be delayed until early May, though trees and shrubs, especially those that are newly planted, may need water. 
• Sign up for a free water check: Offered from May to August, the service helps you determine efficient outdoor watering levels and improvements for water conservation.
• Review your WaterMAPS report: Found where you view your water bill, this report can provide insight into your watering habits and help identify opportunities for conservation.
• SLC TurfTrade: SLCPU customers can purchase low-water grass seed that needs 30% less water than typical Bluegrass lawn.
• Landscape Transformations: Various programs offer residential rebates for changes that implement conservation measures.
• Weekly Lawn Watering Guide: Follow the Utah Division of Water Resources, which shares customized watering recommendations for your area and lawn type that are updated weekly.
• Explore other water-saving tips: Take advantage of the City’s water saving tips and landscape information at http://www.slcgardenwise.com.

More information on the City’s updated Drought and Water Shortage Contingency Plan can be found at https://www.slc.gov/utilities/conservation/drought-information.