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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah was awash with rain in July, with storms delivering a much-needed infusion of moisture to thirsty crops and other parched landscapes. But it wasn't enough to stop the steady drop in reservoir levels or dramatically impact soil moisture levels.
The latest climate and water report released by the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Utah Snow Survey shows that rainfall ranged from 130 percent to 219 percent of average, with southern Utah being the biggest beneficiary.
Ron Thompson, manager of the Washington County Water Conservancy District, said the intense thunderstorms were helpful in some areas.
"It was very helpful for the watershed as a whole," he said. "For plant growth, livestock operators and the watershed, they dearly needed it, and it was all beneficial."
But Thompson pointed out the heavy rains did not come without negative consequences.
Even though July precipitation was much above average, soil moisture is exceptionally dry, at the bottom of historically observed Aug. 1 values across the entire state.
–latest climate and water report for Utah
"Anytime you get 2-plus inches in a couple of hours, it rarely does you any good in terms of water distribution systems," he said. "It was certainly a challenge to deal with all the mud that comes."
The rain did bump up the condition of the runoff, putting many of the streams and rivers in better shape than they were a month ago, but the report said the state remains extremely dry.
"Even though July precipitation was much above average, soil moisture is exceptionally dry, at the bottom of historically observed Aug. 1 values across the entire state," the report said.
In the basin-by-basin summary of conditions, soil moisture across the state is pegged at "zero percent," flat-lining from already dismal conditions experienced last year.
The rain, while plentiful, does not help with reservoir storage. Across the state, Utah's reservoirs are in rapid decline. Capacity statewide is 59 percent, down 8 percent from last month and 12 percent from last year.
With each passing week, the report notes that the situation is only going to grow worse.
"Water shortages and restrictions are being implemented statewide," the report said. "Those reliant on direct stream flow can expect shortages for the remainder of the summer and fall, and those with reservoir storage are likely to experience significant cuts to allocations."
Reductions have already been instituted by the Provo River Water Users Association to its shareholders, and a 20 percent cutback was adopted for secondary water users in the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District.
