Iron County Faces Record Drought, Water District Calls for Conservation

Iron County is experiencing its driest year on record, with the Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) at Webster Flat measuring just 35% of the median as of February 14. While recent storms have offered some relief, the county remains in a severe drought, with the U.S. Drought Monitor classifying most of the region as experiencing extreme or severe drought conditions.

In response, the Central Iron County Water Conservancy District is urging all residents, businesses, and agricultural producers to take immediate action in conserving water. “Without significant precipitation, we are facing a record drought, and it’s important that our community work together to conserve and manage our resources,” said Paul Monroe, General Manager of the District, in a press release. “While we are actively pursuing solutions due to water challenges, we need everyone to contribute to making every drop count.”

The District is implementing several initiatives to address the crisis. Conservation remains a key focus, with programs like Utah Water Savers offering rebates for residents who replace traditional lawns with water-efficient landscaping. The District is also hosting two landscape classes this spring to educate the community on best conservation practices.

Efforts to improve water recharge and reuse are also underway. The District is capturing available water to replenish the aquifer and reduce evaporation losses, although the limited precipitation makes this challenging. Meanwhile, in partnership with Cedar City, Enoch City, and Iron County, the District is developing an Effluent Reuse Project, which will use treated wastewater for irrigation, reducing reliance on groundwater.

Infrastructure improvements are another priority. The District is constructing a 4-million-gallon water tank in the Eightmile Hills area, part of a broader Water Improvement Project aimed at strengthening the county’s water supply. Additionally, the Pine Valley Water Supply Project is undergoing environmental studies to assess its potential in providing long-term water security for Cedar Valley.

“We ask everyone to actively participate in conservation measures,” Monroe emphasized. “While we continue to explore long-term solutions, conservation efforts will determine how well we navigate this drought in the coming months.”

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For more information on water conservation efforts and available programs, visit cicwcd.org.