Utah Has Targeted Invasive Reeds to Save Water

Officials hope to remove invasive phragmites to boost water supplies for the Great Salt Lake watershed.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration of tall reeds in an arid desert basin with distant mountains, representing environmental water conservation efforts. — Utah officials have launched an initiative to eradicate invasive phragmites across the Great Salt Lake watershed to reclaim thousands of acre-feet of water annually. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your state government prioritize invasive species removal to manage local water supplies?

Utah officials have proposed a plan to eliminate invasive phragmites from the Great Salt Lake watershed to recover significant water resources. The state intends to use herbicide treatments to clear the reeds that have encroached on the habitat since floods forty years ago.

Why it matters

Removing these invasive weeds could potentially save 82,000 acre-feet of water annually, addressing critical water scarcity in the region. This strategy builds on successful efforts at Utah Lake, where reed coverage was reduced by nearly 90 percent.

The state has committed $2.2 million in funding this year to support removal efforts, a significant increase over the standard $800,000 annual expenditure. These treatments are primarily conducted during wet periods to maximize herbicide efficacy.

The players

Legislative Water Development Commission

This is a Utah legislative body responsible for overseeing water policy and the allocation of state resources for water management.

The details

The project targets phragmites that currently choke ditches, canals, and streams throughout the watershed. By clearing these plants, the state aims to restore natural water flow and improve vital habitats for migratory birds.

Floods forty years ago displaced native plants and allowed the reeds to spread.
The Legislative Water Development Commission discussed these proposals in October 2026.
State officials aim to remove the majority of the lake reeds over the next decade.

Travel Outlook

This initiative follows the successful precedent of the Utah Lake phragmites removal project, which achieved a 90 percent reduction in reed cover. The expansion reflects a broader strategy to secure water resources across Utah as long-term conservation remains a state priority.

Residents and visitors to the Great Salt Lake watershed should prepare for potential site closures during scheduled herbicide treatments. These efforts are designed to ensure long-term water availability, which may impact recreational access to certain wetlands.

The takeaway

The state's success in managing invasive species at Utah Lake provides a proven roadmap for recovering water resources in the Great Salt Lake basin. Continued investment and systematic removal are expected to restore native habitats while increasing the state's total annual water supply.