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South Jordan officials warn of dry snowpack, possible earlier canal curtailment and upcoming Jordan Valley drought decision
Summary
Public Works Director Raymond Garrison reported reservoirs are at about 73% (excluding Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge, combined capacity closer to 39%), noted very low snowpack and a dry spring, and said Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District will consider drought levels and messaging at a board meeting the following day.
Public Works Director Raymond Garrison told the South Jordan City Council on April 7 that regional water supplies face pressure from a low snowpack following a dry winter and spring.
Garrison said local reservoirs are roughly 73% full when measured without Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge; including those larger reservoirs, combined capacity drops to about 39%. He said the Jordan Valley drought‑contingency meeting produced a split recommendation (moderate to severe drought) that the Jordan Valley board would consider the next day; the committee’s decision will drive coordinated public messaging and any watering restrictions.
Garrison outlined potential operational changes: canals are expected to delay spring flows until May 1 (typically April 15) and there were talks about shortening the irrigation season (for example, shutting canals down around Sept. 15) depending on how dry the summer is. He said the canal boards and Jordan Valley jointly set those schedules and that the city has seats on three canal boards.
Council members asked how the city would prioritize watering if conservation becomes necessary. Garrison described a parks‑division contingency plan that would prioritize tree‑watering (including deployment of slow‑release tree‑gaiter bladders filled manually) and preserve athletic fields before less‑critical pocket parks. He said the city is preparing to move staff and resources to protect trees and to coordinate district messaging once Jordan Valley finalizes its determination.
Mayor Ramsey and staff said they expect joint messaging from Jordan Valley and member agencies within days of the board decision and that the city will use its usual channels (website, social media, local news) to reach residents. Council members urged early outreach to increase compliance if restrictions become necessary.
