With less snow and spring runoff, Salt Lake City will cut back on water use and urge residents to do the same

Amid the winter’s below-average snowfall and resulting reduced spring runoff, Salt Lake City has initiated voluntary water conservation measures, reducing the city’s outdoor watering and hydrant testing, and asking residents and businesses to limit water use.

Reservoir levels aren’t a problem now, but Wasatch Mountain stream flows that support the city’s water supply are expected to run well below average later this spring. The low flows are prompting the Stage 1 advisory, the lowest of the city’s five water-shortage stages. Mayor Jackie Biskupki enacted the advisory Tuesday on the recommendation of Laura Briefer, public utilities director.

The city’s water shortage contingency plan outlines progressively stronger recommendations and requirements triggered by water-supply levels, stream flows and water demand.

“At Stage 1, our goal is to send a message that everyone can help us avoid potential shortages this season and in future drought years by simply being mindful about their water use,” Briefer said in a statement announcing the advisory.

Briefer was reporting on the water supply to the City Council on Tuesday night. City reservoirs are 80 percent full or more, but amid drought conditions, temperature projections are higher and precipitation projections are lower, as are stream runoff models

Among the city’s conservation measures, the Fire Department will conduct “dry” hydrant inspections instead of opening the hydrants; public services will monitor water use in city parks and facilities; and public utilities will work with staffs at city golf courses and Utah State University to develop water-efficiency plans.

For residents, the city recommends the following:

- Sign up for a free water check to determine efficient watering levels.

- Set sprinkler controls to adjust for weather conditions, including shutting off during rainstorms, and check for broken or misaligned spray heads that consume more water.

- Repair leaking faucets or fixtures promptly.

- Review the city’s water-saving tips and landscape information.