While recent monsoon rains have reduced demand on local supply and storage in some areas of Utah, it will not be enough to pull the state out of the drought, according to the latest update from the Utah Division of Water Resources. Reservoirs and lakes will continue to decline until October, when i rrigation season ends. “Our reservoirs, lakes and streams are really struggling this year,” said Joel Williams, director of the Division of Water Resources. “Utahns must continue efforts to protect our water supply, as every drop saved today adds to our collective resilience.” One hundred percent of the state is in some form of drought. Reservoir storage is at 52%, which is 15% lower than normal for this time of year and 18% lower than the same time last year. Reservoir fill in Utah as of Aug. 27, 2026. On top of that, Utah has experienced 1,028 wildfires that have burned over 553,150 acres this year. Three of the top 10 largest wildfires in state history have burned this season: the Cottonwood fire at 96,181 acres, the Babylon fire at 102,854 acres and the Widemouth 2 fire at 129,742 acres. Four federal wildland firefighters died on the Snyder Fire, and two pilots died supporting the Widemouth 2 Fire. More than 200 structures have been lost statewide. Bear incidents have doubled from last year, partially due to severe drought, the division said. As of Aug. 25, Division of Wildlife Resources biologists and other partnering law enforcement agencies have responded 168 times so far this year to bear issues across the state. In 2025, the Division of Wildlife Resources responded 83 times to bear issues in Utah. At Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation, low water levels are creating new terrain and boating hazards. The boat ramp is open but needs constant attention, according to the Division of Water Resources. When reservoirs reach low levels, some parks are forced to close their boat launch ramps in order to help better protect visitors and their property. Harmful algal blooms are also happening across the state. Residents can learn how to identify them and find current water advisories at HABs.utah.gov. Through late August, drought conditions will continue to affect streamflows and water distribution across several major river systems. Conditions vary by basin, with differences in snowpack, summer precipitation and reservoir releases influencing water availability. Bear River’s natural flow is 396 cubic feet per second, providing about 28% of direct flow rights. Conditions are similar to the average 2020 water year, with better snowpack, summer rainstorms and storage releases helping support flows. Upper Provo River’s natural flow is 50 cubic feet per second, providing about 16.2% of direct flow rights. Summer monsoons have temporarily increased flows, but drought conditions continue without additional moisture. Upper Duchesne River’s natural flow is 233 cubic feet per second, providing about 18.4% of direct flow rights. Flows remain below those seen during average and wet years and have steadily declined through the summer. Upper Sevier River’s natural flow is 49 cubic feet per second, providing about 9.3% of first-class direct flow rights. Flows are less than half those recorded during the 2021 drought year as drought conditions persist. Great Salt Lake elevations as of Aug. 27, 2026. The post Reservoir levels expected to decline until October appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less