If the U.S. is using less water, why isn't Utah?

Cataract Canyon of the Colorado River courtesy of Taylor Graham

According to a new report released by the USGS, Utah’s residential water use actually increased from 2010 to 2015 while the average American’s water use dropped by 7%, continuing the decline observed during the previous 5 years.

Utah also released a new report claiming residents now use 242 gallons per person each day.

These numbers are critically important because Utah’s high water use is being used to justify billions in new spending for unnecessary and destructive river diversions like the proposed Lake Powell Pipeline and Bear River Development. While Utah officials claim they are doing everything they can to conserve water, the numbers tell a different story. See the full USGS report here.