BEAVER, Utah, July 21, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — The Beaver County Commission on Tuesday unanimously voted to declare a state of emergency following the severe flooding that has taken out water supply lines and clogged roadways with downed trees and debris, and damaged an estimated 200 houses.
The flooding is in the burn scar area from the Cottonwood Fire, which is now 90% contained, but burned 97,464 acres.
The Commission’s emergency meeting and the declaration follow a similar decision Monday night by Beaver City, confirmed with a vote by the Beaver City Council. The Beaver County Commission on Tuesday unanimously voted to declare a state of emergency following the severe flooding that has damaged roads and utility infrastructure and an estimated 200 houses.
The flooding is in the burn scar area from the Cottonwood Fire, which is now 90% contained, but burned 97,464 acres.
The Commission’s emergency meeting and the declaration follow a similar decision Monday night by Beaver City, confirmed with a vote by the Beaver City Council.
The declarations will allow the agencies to apply for available state and federal funding to help with immediate and longer term needs.
Beaver County residents who are not under evacuation orders, and are still in their homes, are advised to drink only bottled water, or to boil water from other sources if bottled water is unavailable. Donated bottled water is available for pickup from city sources and some churches.
City officials previously issued a “do not drink” advisory, also urging that tap water not be used for food preparation, making ice, or brushing teeth, due to contamination. Repairs to damaged water lines are planned or underway.
Wade Hollingshead, County Commission chairman, said Monday morning that — best case scenario — much of the city could have usable water restored within 48 hours.
But he also noted that the best case scenario is not the one predicted. As of Tuesday morning, an active flood watch was in effect for Beaver, issued by the National Weather Service.
The declarations will allow the agencies to apply for available state and federal funding to help with immediate and longer term needs.
Beaver County residents who are not under evacuation orders, and are still in their homes, are advised to drink only bottled water, or to boil water from other sources if bottled water is unavailable. Donated bottled water is available for pickup from city sources and some churches.
City officials previously issued a “do not drink” advisory, also urging that tap water not be used for food preparation, making ice, or brushing teeth, due to contamination. Repairs to damage water lines are underway.
Wade Hollingshead, County Commission chairman, said Monday morning that — best case scenario — much of the city could have usable water restored within 48 hours.
But he also noted that the best case scenario is not the one predicted. As of Tuesday morning, an active flood watch was in effect for Beaver, issued by the National Weather Service.
Graphic source: National Weather Service
Beaver city has approximately 3,700 residents. Beaver County residents are estimated at 7,300.
