I’ve mentioned before we are planning to relocate to UT, specifically to the SCL/Provo area.

I’ll be the first to admit I’m a little paranoid about things. With everything going on I was wondering what the water situation looked like. Is there water available if the infrastructure goes down for a few days or is it all city water?

Around us we’re on city water but I know where plenty of springs and wells are located if need be. Wondering if there was something similar out there. Looking at pictures it looks more like a desert in some areas but maybe the satellite pictures are just from winter or dry season.

Otherwise I may need to triple my water preps.

Pretty much any of the major city centers and suburban areas along the Wasatch Front rely on city water.

If you're looking at horse property or a home with some acreage in those areas they will occasionally come with ag water/water rights.

That said, there are several large bodies of water where one could acquire water to filter at home if needed.

ETA:

Utah is very much a high desert, we've been in a drier drought cycle for the last few years, so many places have had watering restrictions for lawns for homes and businesses.

Might depend on where you are.  

I’m in the north eastern corner of Utah county.  

It’s been dry but we have plenty of wells the city pumps from.

The guy who manages the water lives on my street.  

We get as much run off from spring snow melt as we can and then it’s turn on the pumps.  

I think you’ll be fine.

Sorry if I was a little vague. I have a job prospect which will likely see me out there this summer. Looking at the cedar hills/alpine area due to some of the good schools. Not sure we can afford that area though, not in this market with the housing prices higher than the Baltimore/DC area.

I really want at least 1/4 acre so we have enough yard and still space to garden, but space sure is a premium in most areas. It sure is beautiful out there though

Thanks for the replies, this was very helpful

Chickens?!? You can have chickens on .25 acres?!?
I really need to get out of MD!


Somewhat unrelated question, are there a lot of pools in SLC (southern suburbs)? We grew up going to a neighborhood pool and the only pools seem to be part of HOAs. I’m pretty sure I don’t want an HOA.

When looking at one area (virtually) our realities pointed out that the particular HOA has neighborhood gardens since you can’t garden on your own property. I thought he was joking at first.

That about matches with the scarcity I’m seeing with pools

Water is definitely something you will need contingencies for. Salt Lake/Provo are is still considered “high desert” and almost every tree in the valley is planted/irrigated to get established. The summers are warm and long enough to make owning a pool worth while and is something you can easily do on a .25 acre lot and still have room for chickens and a decent  garden. That is exactly what I’m doing at my place.

Thanks! That about succinctly covers my concerns! Biggest problem will be affording the .25 acre lot in this economy… haha

We’re here in SLC. Cottonwood heights. Walking the dogs I see a house for sale and checked it out. 900,000$ on a small lot. Our similar home in Wi is on a half acre lot, and we’re building a new home on 5+ acres out of the city. Crazy prices here.