Drought conditions declared by Utah Governor Spencer Cox; Kane County water officials confident local area is prepared

In a recent press conference, Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated the administration was considering an emergency status for drought conditions in southwestern Utah. According to the Governor’s report, snowmelt did not provide necessary refill for water storage in areas like Washington county, and the conditions were cause for imminent concern.

Image by Andrew Jackson.

When prompted for local reservoir status, Kane County Water Conservancy District Executive Director Mike Noel stated the district’s reservoirs could survive a low-water year, as well development projects compensate for low snowmelt years. “Our reservoirs are at 95 percent,” said Noel, “and we have our two water district wells off.” Last year at this time, the reservoirs stood at 99 percent full.” In addition to full reservoirs and additional well capacity, Kanab Creek is still flowing at about average levels; a good sign for local water health.

Lake Powell is very close to the level it was last year at this time according to the Lake Powell Water Database and is significantly higher than at this time in 2023, though the outflow is currently outpacing the inflow; levels usually spike going into spring, so it is too early to tell whether water levels will rise at the expected seasonal pace.

Local water authorities mentioned the possibility, once more wells are certified for use or improvement, local storage has the capacity to pump additional water in and out, potentially providing aid for those counties in drought conditions without compromising local drought preparedness.

For real-time information going forward, visit the KCWCD and Lake Powell Water’s respective websites.