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The Agency board met on March 19th and voted to begin the 2026 irrigation system on Wednesday, April 1st with a 50% restriction on allotted water. We will begin filling the system on the morning of the 1st. Please turn your system valves off prior to the morning of the 1st to prevent damage to your irrigation lines. Currently Ken’s Lake has 893-acre feet in storage, which is 34%. The current forecasted runoff is at 15-20% of average. As of March 18th, we are at 32% of Snow-water-equivalent and 72% of average precipitation for the water year.  Agency staff will continuously monitor the situation, and restrictions will be adjusted accordingly. The staff and board recognize and appreciate everyone’s conservation efforts and thoughtful management of our water resource. In our severe situation this year please only use what is needed to allow your landscapes to survive the summer season. We will start supplemental irrigation wells pumping on startup to meet demands, pumping/electrical charges will be assessed at the end of the season and will be based on the amount of usage per customer. The 50% restriction is a hard stop and once reached customer services will be turned off, there will be no overages allowed. If you have any questions regarding the water situation, please call our office at 259-8121 or come to one of our regularly scheduled board meetings. They are being held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Agency office. Updates are available at www.grandwatersewerut.gov . Staff will send updated letters as needed. ​ Thank you, BENNY MUSSELMAN AGENCY MANAGER ​​​

Winter is Coming: A Guide to Water Conservation in Moab, Utah As the crisp autumn air rolls in and winter approaches, it’s time to rethink your outdoor watering habits. In Moab, Utah, the drop in temperature signals a change in how much water your lawn and garden need. The cooler months offer a unique opportunity to conserve water and ensure your plants remain healthy while also preserving a vital resource that can be scarce in the warmer months. In this post, we’ll explore why adjusting your watering schedule for winter is essential and how it benefits both your landscape and the environment. Understanding Moab’s Winter Climate and Its Effect on Watering Needs Moab’s desert climate means that, even during the winter, the region experiences dry conditions. However, the temperatures significantly drop, reducing the amount of evaporation that occurs. When it's colder, your lawn and garden don’t need as much water as they do during the scorching summer months. By cutting back on irrigation and watering less frequently, you help conserve water while also preventing overwatering, which can cause damage to your plants and waste valuable resources. The Role of Cooler Temperatures in Water Conservation In Moab, daytime temperatures in our recent winter cycles rarely dip below freezing, but they’re low enough to slow down the growth of most plants. This means your garden enters a period of dormancy, reducing its need for water. Additionally, as the days become shorter and sunlight is less intense, less water evaporates from the soil. This natural reduction in moisture loss makes winter an ideal time to scale back on irrigation. By watering less frequently, you'll conserve water while still maintaining a healthy landscape. The Risks of Overwatering During Winter Though winter temperatures may be mild compared to other parts of the country, they are still cool enough that excessive watering can lead to problems. Overwatering during the colder months can cause root rot and promote fungal growth, both of which can harm your plants. In addition, too much water can cause the soil to become soggy, which disrupts the natural cycle of the soil, potentially harming plant roots and leading to water runoff. Reducing your water usage in winter helps avoid these risks and keeps your plants safe. Simple Steps for Adjusting Your Watering Schedule To adjust your watering schedule for winter, start by checking the moisture level of the soil before irrigating. A good rule of thumb is to water only when the soil feels dry about two inches below the surface. Consider setting your irrigation system to water once a week or less, depending on weather conditions. If you're hand-watering, be mindful of the time spent on each section of your garden. If it’s been an unusually warm winter day, a slight increase in watering may be necessary, but generally, less is more in this season. Why This Matters for Moab’s Future Conserving water in Moab, a town with limited water resources, is critical for the long-term health of both the landscape and the local ecosystem. Winter is the perfect time to practice mindful water use, which not only lowers your water bill but also contributes to the preservation of vital resources that our region depends on. By making small adjustments to your watering routine, you can help ensure that water is available when it’s needed most, particularly in the summer months when temperatures soar, and demand increases.

As spring returns to Moab and we start to use more water around the house, it’s the perfect time to check your faucets, fixtures, and irrigation systems for leaks. Even the smallest drip can make a big difference — both in your water bill and in our community’s water supply. A Little Drip Adds Up Did you know that one faucet dripping once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water  each year? That’s enough to fill a small swimming pool! Leaky fixtures not only waste water but also put unnecessary strain on Moab’s limited water resources. Check Indoors and Out Take a few minutes to inspect every faucet — in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry area, and outside. Listen for drips, look for moisture around the handles or base, and check under sinks for damp spots. Outdoors, be sure to examine hose bibs, sprinkler heads, and irrigation lines. These leaks are often overlooked but can waste a surprising amount of water over time. Quick Fix, Long-Term Savings Most drips are easy and inexpensive to repair — often just a worn washer or loose connection. A quick fix now can save you hundreds of gallons of water and lower your utility bill. It’s simple maintenance that truly pays off. Every drop matters in our desert community. By staying alert to leaks and repairing them promptly, you’re helping protect Moab’s precious water supply and keeping our red rock home thriving for years to come.

Spring will soon be in the air, and as the days grow longer and the red rocks start to glow with that familiar warmth, many of us begin thinking about our yards and gardens. Moab’s unique desert setting gives us endless inspiration — but it also reminds us that water is one of our most valuable resources. With a few thoughtful choices, you can create a beautiful, thriving landscape that’s both colorful and water-smart. Choose Water-Wise Plants: One of the easiest ways to protect our local water supply is by selecting plants that naturally thrive in our desert climate. Native and drought-tolerant plants bring vibrant color and texture to your yard while using far less water than traditional lawns or thirsty ornamentals. Plus, these hardy plants attract pollinators and blend beautifully with Moab’s natural surroundings. Mulch and Maintain: A layer of mulch around plants helps keep the soil cool and moist, reducing how often you need to water. It also prevents weeds from competing for moisture and nutrients. Checking your irrigation system for leaks and adjusting your watering schedule for spring’s milder temperatures can make a big difference too. Design with Moab in Mind: Think of your landscape as an extension of the red rock country that surrounds us — rugged, resilient, and full of beauty. Use stone pathways, native grasses, and shade trees strategically to reduce heat and water use while enhancing your outdoor living space. By choosing water-wise landscaping, you’re not only saving water — you’re helping preserve the natural beauty that makes Moab such a special place to call home.

As winter settles over the red rock canyons and snow dusts the La Sal' s, it’s easy to forget about outdoor watering. But winter is actually one of the most important times of year to pay attention to your home’s water system. In Moab’s desert climate, every drop counts — and taking a few simple steps now can help prevent costly leaks, wasted water, and springtime headaches later. Check Outside Valves and Faucets: Cold weather can be tough on outdoor plumbing. Before temperatures drop too far, take a few minutes to inspect your outside valves and hose bibs for drips or leaks. Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons over the winter, and if the water freezes, it can expand and cause pipes to crack — leading to expensive repairs. Make sure hoses are disconnected, valves are turned off, and any exposed pipes are properly insulated. Be Cautious with Sprinkler Systems: When the warm weather returns and it’s time to bring your landscape back to life, don’t rush to turn on your sprinklers. Freezing temperatures during winter can cause underground irrigation lines, fittings, or valves to crack — even if you’ve blown them out in the fall. Before restarting your system in the spring, inspect your lines carefully or have a professional do a quick check. This helps ensure you’re not losing water through hidden leaks or damaged equipment once irrigation season begins. Why It Matters in Moab: Water is precious here in Moab — it sustains not only our homes and gardens but also the stunning natural landscapes that draw visitors from around the world. By taking simple steps to protect your outdoor plumbing during the winter, you’re helping to conserve our most vital resource while keeping your property in great shape for the seasons ahead. A little attention now goes a long way. Together, we can keep Moab beautiful — and water-wise — all year long.

From the website*: Desert landscaping is an excellent way to add beauty and value to your home. It can also save you water if done correctly. If you live in a dry climate, then you probably already know that water conservation is essential. If you want to save water, then you should consider using desert landscaping. Check it out: https://www.waterwiselandscape.net/5-great-ways-to-save-water-with-your-desert-landscaping/ *The information provided through the link shared on this page is for informational purposes only . GWSSA does not endorse, promote, or affiliate with any particular business, product, or service mentioned or linked. We encourage users to conduct their own research and exercise due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided.

GWSSA has begun its "Every Drop Counts' ad campaign to help bring awareness to water conservation in the Moab area. Look for tips and information in the Moab Advertiser!

https://conservewater.utah.gov/weekly-lawn-watering-guide/ The Utah Division of Water Resources Weekly Lawn Watering Guides offer customized watering recommendations for your area and lawn type! These guides are created using weather data collected throughout the state, so the recommendations will vary weekly depending on what Mother Nature has in store. More and more Utahns are choosing to landscape with low water use lawn varieties (thank you!), so we’ve created an additional Low Water Use Guide. Be sure to select the appropriate guide below based on your lawn type. Conventional lawns should use the standard watering guide. Those that have intentionally planted low water use varieties should use the Low Water Use Lawn Watering Guide.

https://home-water-works.org/calculator Water is a precious resource, yet many people are unaware of just how much they use daily. In desert places like Moab, understanding and managing water consumption is vital. That’s where a water calcu lator steps in. This online tool allows you to input your daily water usage habits and see an estimate of your total consumption. You will not only learn more about your own habits but also discover how small adjustments can lead to significant savings. Using a water calculator can help you spot areas of potential waste in your routine. For instance, did you know that a 10-minute shower can use approximately 25 gallons of water? If you take a long shower every day, that equates to over 9,000 gallons a year! Additionally, leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth can waste up to 3 gallons per minute. By recognizing these habits, you can take actionable steps to conserve water. Simple changes like taking shorter showers or turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can make a noticeable difference. Another engaging aspect of using a water calculator is the potential for friendly competition with friends and family. After you calculate and understand your water usage, consider sharing your results on social media. Establishing a friendly challenge to see who can reduce their water consumption the most can make conservation fun. You may be surprised to see how efficiently some of your friends manage their water use or find inspiration to improve your own habits. This engagement promotes collective awareness of water conservation. In a place like Moab, water conservation is more than just beneficial—it's essential. https://home-water-works.org/calculator

The Utah Division of Water Resources Weekly Lawn Watering Guides offer customized watering recommendations for your area and lawn type! These guides are created using weather data collected throughout the state, so the recommendations will vary weekly depending on what Mother Nature has in store. Click the link below to learn all the helpful information! https://conservewater.utah.gov/weekly-lawn-watering-guide/