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Public Works Update, April 2026: Secondary Water

In short

Public Works expects secondary water at full pressure on May 15, with the season ending October 1 or earlier if the drought worsens. A water reduction for outdoor watering is in place for all cities in the area, and conservation enforcement will be active this year. Residents should close their own sprinkler valves before the pipes fill and check their systems for winter damage. City-owned valves may only be operated by city water personnel.

Dates and deadlines

  • Before water is turned on: Large-area water users and HOAs must submit a yearly water conservation plan to Public Works before water can be used, per SCC 4.25.140 Page 1
  • Before the system fills: Close your own sprinkler valves to prevent leaks, flooding, and water waste Page 1-2
  • May 15: Water suppliers anticipate full-pressure startup of secondary water Page 1
  • First week water is in the system: Public Works will check the new meters installed over the winter for leaks. Those meters were left off after installation to pass a pressure inspection Page 1
  • Oct 1: Secondary water season ends, or sooner if drought conditions worsen Page 1

Everything else

Drought and conservation

  • Low snowfall last winter left the area in abnormally dry to drought conditions. Rain helped soil moisture but added little to mountain reservoirs, which are slightly over half full Page 1
  • A water reduction for outdoor watering is in place for all cities in the area. The Syracuse outdoor watering schedule used for the past five years is posted on the city website, and enforcement will be active Page 1
  • Do not overwater early in the season. Spring lawns usually need less water than people expect, and overwatering can cause fungus, shallow roots, and runoff Page 2

Sprinkler prep

  • Walk your yard and check for broken sprinkler heads, cracked pipes or fittings, and missing nozzles Page 2
  • Clean dirt and grass buildup from sprinkler heads, clean your filter, and make repairs now. Public Works recommends installing your own shutoff valve and filter if you do not have one Page 2

Leaks and water quality

  • If you see a leak in your secondary meter box and all your own valves are closed, call Public Works at 801-825-7235 or submit an online fix-it request Page 1
  • A cross-connection happens when polluted water or chemicals mix with the clean water supply, which can affect water quality and health. Report sprinklers running before secondary lines are fully pressurized to Public Works at 801-825-7235 or through an online fix-it request. See SCC 4.15.450 Page 2

Digging

  • Utah law requires contacting Blue Stakes of Utah at least two full business days before any digging so utilities can be marked. Submit a request at bluestakes.org or call 811 Page 3
  • Projects that require a Blue Stakes call include fence installations, landscaping that involves digging, sprinkler installs, RV pads, sheds and accessory buildings, swimming pools, and trampoline pits Page 3
  • Utility companies and city employees may need to enter backyards to mark utilities, since some utilities run through back yards Page 3

Programs and incentives

  • Weber Basin Water offers free classes for residents putting in a new yard, and rebates may be available for replacing lawn with water-efficient landscaping. Check whether your project qualifies before you start Page 3
  • Tahoma 31 bermudagrass, a drought-tolerant, cold-hardy hybrid turf recently approved for use in Northern Utah, is listed as a sod option that uses up to 50 to 70 percent less water than bluegrass Page 3

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