SALT LAKE CITY– October rains have had a significant effect on the Water situation in the State according to Utah Department of Natural Resources. The beginning of our Water Year began on Oct. 1, and it already delivered outstanding early-season precipitation.
“This historic moisture has profoundly improved water conditions and significantly boosted the outlook for our region’s water supply.” Said Michael Sanchez spokesman for the DNR. “Recent storms have provided unprecedented rainfall for the month.”
Salt Lake City alone had a total precipitation for October so far was at 4.95″, officially making it the wettest October in over the last 151 years of data collection at the Salt Lake City Airport. This early accumulation is a powerful first step for the water year.
“Yes, we can all collectively say ‘we needed this’ as we think about our recent storms and our water supply,” Candice Hasenyager, director at the Utah Division of Water Resources, said. “The recent storms are a great start to the water year, but we have a long road ahead.”
The Water Year is a 12-month cycle used by hydrologists to track water resources running from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 the next year.
The time was scientifically chosen because it captures the entire process, including fall and winter precipitation (such as snow) and the subsequent spring runoff, within a single reporting period.
One of the things the DNR is excited about is the critical benefits this early moisture does to the saturation of Utah’s soil. Even though October is not yet over the soil moisture levels are 10% higher than in a typical year.
In dry years, the ground acts like a sponge, absorbing much of the snowmelt before it can run off into reservoirs. Because the soil in Utah is so well-saturated, they are primed for a more efficient spring runoff.
In Utah, about 95% of our water supply comes from snowpack. Reservoir storage helps us preserve that water for use in dry summer months and drought years.
The Utah Department of Natural Resources continues to promote initiatives such as the Agricultural Water Optimization Program for farmers and SlowtheFlow.org for residents. These programs aim to educate and incentivize water-saving practices, ensuring Utahns become more drought-resilient and prepare for future conditions.
There are many indoor water-saving tips are available on the Slow the Flow website.