Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall issued a “Stage 2 Drought Advisory” for the first time since October 2022, following a record-setting dry winter and early spring runoff.
Under the drought advisory, the city called for the reduction of 10 million gallons of water per day.
“Salt Lake City has always shown resilience in the face of challenges, and this moment is no different,” said Mayor 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.”
City facilities and government institutions would be required to stay within their irrigation-only meter budgets and reduce indoor water use by 10%. Meanwhile, residents and local businesses are encouraged to delay outdoor watering until early May and to check on sprinkler systems and any indoor leaks.
The advisory comes as the Salt Lake region’s snowpack sits at 54% of average for this time of year. City leaders said the current overall water supply level is “good,” but the low snowpack, combined with a record-setting early spring heat wave, has raised concerns.
Laura Briefer, the director of the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities, said even with the strong reservoir storage, Salt Lakers need to “act now.”
“Saving water today helps ensure reliability for our community and contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Great Salt Lake,” said Briefer.
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