Republican Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday declared a 30-day state of emergency over drought conditions across Utah, as the state aims to stretch low water supplies through the summer months.
The declaration, which covers 17 of the state’s 29 counties, will allow communities to tap emergency funds if necessary, and also directs local governments to develop and implement their own water restrictions for the coming irrigation season.
“We’ve been monitoring drought conditions closely, and unfortunately, our streamflow forecasts are low, particularly in southern Utah,” Cox said in a statement. “I urge all Utahns to be extremely mindful of their water use and find every possible way to conserve. Water conservation is critical for Utah’s future.”
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 93 percent of Utah is currently between “abnormally dry” and “extreme drought” conditions, largely the state’s rural, southern counties.
