Water

This year’s record-breaking snowpack lifted Utah out of a severe drought. It won’t take much for it to return, though.

Pipe Spring National Monument, southeast of St. George on the Utah-Arizona border, was created in 1923 by President Warren G. Harding.

Between drought, climate change and population growth, Utah’s water supply is stretched increasingly thin. A new study shows how two very different communities in different parts of the state found success in conservation.

The proposal announced Monday isn’t final. It calls for cities, irrigation districts and Native American tribes to accept federal money — and in some cases volunteer — to use less water over the next three years.

The nation's second-largest reservoir has been shrinking as drought and steady demand strain the Colorado River. With Lake Powell's low water levels, canyons and ecosystems are emerging from the depths.

Many boat ramps closed as the Colorado River drought pushed Powell to record lows. But abundant snowmelt is bringing some good, if temporary, news for both recreation enthusiasts and the local economy.

Cities, irrigation districts and Native American tribes in California, Arizona and Nevada will receive federal funding in exchange for temporarily using less water, but officials did not say how much funding individual users in the states would get.

New research shows that the long-term trend of warmer winters and less snow has made Utah’s streamflow more sporadic. And researchers say Utahns should prepare for it to keep getting worse.

Salinity is an indicator of the Great Salt Lake’s health. During the historic low last year, salt levels were so high lake life was at risk.

Utah enjoyed record-breaking snow this winter and spring. As that moisture flows downstream, this historically wet season is bringing some relief to typically dry southern Utah.

New data on snow sublimation (where snow evaporates before it can melt) will help water managers across the West understand the Colorado River water supply.

A new six-part podcast explores the questions, challenges and possible solutions to saving the 1,450 mile long lifeline of the West — The Colorado River.