ALL NEWS

Research shows Utah is in a megadrought, along with much of the Southwest US

Jun 15, 2021, 2:21 PM | Updated: Jun 22, 2021, 9:04 am

14-year-old drowns at Newcastle Reservoir....

Photo: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

PROVO, Utah– The drought hitting Utah right now may be worse than we thought. Researchers say we are actually in a megadrought across the Southwest United States.

Conditions are considered a megadrought when “a drought that is at least 19 years in length that’s below a given magnitude relative to historic records,” said BYU geology professor Matt Bekker. “So according to that definition, we are officially in a megadrought.”

Trees show Utah megadrought conditions 

Bekker studies tree rings. He says for most of the trees in Utah, a wide ring is a wet year and a narrow ring is a dry year.

He has taken samples from trees that are hundreds, maybe thousands of years old. The trees give us a broader look at droughts and comparisons for today, according to Bekker. 

When conducting broader research for the area and analyzing tree cycles, Bekker noticed a warm, dry pattern.

“It doesn’t mean that every year over the past 20 years has been dry–we have a wet year here and there. But because most years have been dry, we see a drop in levels at the reservoirs losing that water supply,” he said.

Some of Utah’s most visited summer attractions are limiting access due to low water levels. Water levels at Lake Powell, for example, are more than 30% lower than normal. Additionally, Utah farmers are worried about not having enough water to sustain their crops. 

Changing water habits 

Drought conditions have worsened over the years, but water habits haven’t altered much. 

“We are definitely in a drought for our water year that started in October,” said Bekker.  “[We’ve been] in a drought the last couple of years, and it’s clear the last 20 years as a whole.”

However, in order to minimize the already prevalent impacts of the megadrought in Utah, residents must be aware of their water usage.

Bekker says knowing we are in a historic drought may help people make changes, like following this year’s guidelines to water yards and lawns less. He says it’s ok if your grass goes yellow – don’t kill it – but you don’t have to water as often.

There are other steps individuals and homeowners can take other steps to conserve water, too. Bekker says water in the morning or evening and not in the heat of the day. Check your sprinkler heads for waste. Fix leaky faucets, running toilets, and take short showers.

The need to conserve water is especially needed for the sectors that use the resource the most. Bekker noted agriculture, businesses, schools, and governments can be big water wasters, for a variety of reasons.

As a way to combat wasted water, Bekker believes cities, counties and the state can change laws and regulations. Additionally, to Bekker, water-guzzling organizations can be more proactive when it comes to conserving water. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

"Burn Book," by longtime Silicon Valley reporter Kara Swisher is seen, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Sa...

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: Telling tales about tech bros

Kara Swisher’s new book paints an ugly picture of Silicon Valley.

41 minutes ago

pets...

Curt Gresseth

Don’t surrender pets to a shelter. Send in a pro to reverse bad behavior, says Utah trainer

An expert discusses controlling the unwanted behavior of pets.

46 minutes ago

Exclusive video obtained by KSL NewsRadio shows Salt Lake hit-and-run in the Avenues neighborhood. ...

Eric Cabrera

WATCH: Exclusive video shows woman survives Salt Lake City hit and run

KSL NewsRadio has exclusively obtained footage of a Salt Lake City hit-and-run, where a woman was struck while out for a run in the Avenues.

50 minutes ago

Defense attorney John Prior questions David Warwick during Chad Daybell's preliminary hearing in Fr...

Emma Keddington

Judge orders gag order for upcoming Chad Daybell case

Judge Steven Boyce has issued a gag order in the Chad Daybell case, after Daybell's attorney spoke with a media outlet.

1 hour ago

colorado river...

Adam Small

More than half of the Colorado River’s water is being used for farming, study finds

The Colorado River provides water to 40 million people in seven states, including Utah, as well as Mexico.

1 hour ago

12 year old driver shown driving erratically on freeway...

Sam Herrera

WATCH: Police release dash cam footage of 12-year-old driver

The Utah Highway Patrol said the 12-year-old driver stole her mom's car. The girl was briefly arrested before being released to her parents.

3 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Research shows Utah is in a megadrought, along with much of the Southwest US