Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns trying to understand what Gov. Spencer Cox’s new drought declaration means for their lawns may need to look closer to home. The executive order declares a statewide state of emergency due to drought conditions, but it does not automatically create one set of watering rules for every city, neighborhood or water customer. Instead, the KSL Investigators found watering rules vary depending on where you live and who provides your water. The order activates the state Emergency Operations Plan, directs the state Drought Response Committee to review drought-related needs and tells state agencies to follow current requirements and the Utah Division of Water Resources’ weekly watering guide. It also recommends water suppliers, irrigation companies, cities and counties consider local water restriction plans. Joel Williams, director of the Utah Division of Water Resources, said his office has been getting calls from people asking what they can do, and from people reporting what they believe is water waste. “They’ll call and say, 'Hey, the business down the street, the sprinkler is spraying into the road,'” Williams said. But Williams said the Division of Water Resources does not regulate individual businesses, homeowners or local watering schedules. “We do do a lot of recommending, a lot of educating, trying to get the word out,” Williams said. “What we notice is local cities and water providers, they’re the ones who can do some regulation.” That means Utahns may need to check their city website, their water provider and, in some cases, their secondary water provider to know the rules that apply to them. Because restrictions can change as water supplies shift, residents should check their city or water provider’s website for the latest rule before watering.
Current watering rules by community
A KSL review found some communities have posted mandatory restrictions, while others have issued voluntary guidance, reduction requests or provider-specific rules.
Community or provider
Current rule or guidance
Mandatory ordinance prohibits lawn irrigation with culinary water between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. from April 1 through Oct. 31. Subsequent violations may result in a citation.
Outdoor water users are mandated to reduce total outdoor water use by at least 20%.
Residents are asked to reduce all outdoor water use by 20%.
No mandatory watering restrictions at this time, but the city implemented a 25% drought surcharge.
Reduce all exterior watering by 20%, no watering from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., no exterior watering after Oct. 15 and higher rates for usage over 10,000 gallons.
Water supply reduced by 20%. Restrictions include no watering from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., once-per-week watering until Memorial Day, twice per week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, once per week after Labor Day until Oct. 1 and cutting watering times by 20%.
Stage 2 drought, or mild water shortage, advisory. Voluntary reductions for residents and businesses; required reductions for city facilities and government institutions.
Permanent ordinance restricts outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Level 2 water restrictions: water only once per week.
Water once per week.
Outdoor irrigation with culinary water is limited to 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. from June 1 to Sept. 1.
Secondary water rules include no watering from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., no Sunday watering, one assigned no-watering weekday by quadrant and leak repairs within 15 days.
Voluntary outdoor watering schedule for residences, businesses, schools and government agencies using culinary water.
Weber Basin Water Conservancy District
The secondary water season runs through Sept. 15. Drought restrictions include a 20% water allocation reduction for secondary water customers.
Other communities may have separate rules through irrigation companies, conservancy districts or secondary water systems. Some local websites do not clearly list penalties, while others note possible citations, civil penalties, higher rates or service consequences. Williams said that local approach reflects the way Utah’s water systems are managed. “It is up to those local areas,” Williams said. “They’re monitoring their water supply very closely for their service area.” He said the Division of Water Resources is encouraging people to reduce outdoor water use, fix broken sprinkler heads, repair leaks and reconsider grass that is not being used. For Utahns who do not see specific restrictions from their city or provider, Williams said they should still look for ways to cut back. “In the absence of that, if you live in an area where you’re not hearing of any specific restrictions, just take a look at what you’re doing yourself and say, 'What could I do to reduce my impact on our water situation?'” Williams said. The governor’s order encourages residents to reduce outdoor water use and waste, fix irrigation leaks and inefficiencies, consider converting unnecessary lawn areas to water-wise landscapes with drip irrigation, consider smart-timer controllers or low-flow toilets and reduce indoor water use by fixing leaks. Williams said Utah has not reached the point where statewide enforcement teams are checking individual lawns. “We haven’t in the state of Utah, we haven’t gotten to the point where they have say, maybe in Las Vegas, where there’s the term water cops,” Williams said. “We are very much in the space of encouragement, education and people trying to do the right thing.” Still, he said rates, fees or penalties can get attention in places that use them. “It can be an effective tool to get people’s attention to realize, 'Oh, if I ignore the warnings and use more than I’m supposed to ... it could end up costing me more,” Williams said. Williams said the goal is not just getting through one dry year, but changing how Utahns think about water long term. “This is how we live in Utah,” Williams said. “We take care of our water because we know that we’re always preparing for shortage.” Have you experienced something you think just isn’t right? The KSL Investigators want to help. Submit your tip at investigates@ksl.com or 385-707-6153 so we can get working for you.This story was adapted from a TV broadcast script using artificial intelligence. Every story, including those adapted with AI, is reviewed by a human editor before publication to ensure that KSL's editorial standards are upheld.
