Utah expands cloud seeding efforts and conservation incentives with new funding initiatives

The Utah Water Resources Board has made significant strides in water conservation and cloud seeding efforts, as discussed in their recent meeting on March 19, 2025. A key highlight was the successful expansion of cloud seeding initiatives in the Weber River watershed, particularly along the East Bench from Bountiful to Ogden. This area, historically underutilized for seeding, has shown promising results, leading to plans for further research in collaboration with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the University of Utah, and Utah State University. This research aims to enhance understanding of cloud seeding's effects on snowpack and runoff dynamics.

In addition to cloud seeding, the board reported on the effective use of $5.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated for landscape incentives. This funding has successfully replaced over three million square feet of grass, resulting in annual water savings of approximately 100 million gallons. The Washington County Water Conservancy District received a significant portion of these funds, underscoring the collaborative efforts in water conservation across the state.

Looking ahead, the board is also monitoring a proposed Tax Parity Act, which, if passed, would exempt water conservation rebates from taxation. This legislative change could further incentivize residents to engage in water-saving practices, aligning with the board's ongoing commitment to sustainable water management in Utah.