Utah: 2 nd driest state in the nation 2 nd highest per capita water use in the nation HOW are these 2 facts possible? 2 reasons: extensive system of storage and distribution of irrigation water from snowmelt that is trapped and used throughout the growing season very high growth rate, primarily in urban areas STOP and THINK As our population increases or if we are in a drought: 1.How will water management for agriculture change? 2.How will water management for human use change? NOTES: Utah has a number of agencies set up to care for its water resources. Utah Geologic Society Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Quality Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Drinking Water Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources Plus, individual watershed districts Read only: STOP and THINK As of today: 1.Is there water shortage concerns for Northern Utah? Macroinvertebrates Small stoneflies or mayflies require high dissolved oxygen to survive. NOTES: Water Quality Indicators Dissolved Oxygen Levels Varies naturally due to seasons and unnaturally due to pollution NOTES: Water Quality Indicators pH A measure used to indicate the level of acidity in water 7 is considered neutral NOTES: Water Quality Indicators Fecal Coliform Bacteria Fecal matter from all warm-blooded animals can cause dangerous microbes NOTES: Water Quality Indicators Nutrients Eutrophication natural or unnatural high levels of nutrients that can cause high densities of phytoplankton (algae) NOTES: Water Quality Indicators Water Clarity Turbidity is a measure of light scattering by suspended particles in the water column How far light can penetrate the water NOTES: Water Quality Indicators Heavy Metals Occur naturally but human activities increase the amounts Cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, and nickel in water are routinely measured NOTES: Water Quality Indicators Temperature Aquatic life depends on certain temperature ranges. Temperature also effects dissolved oxygen, amount of pollution, and other water quality factors. NOTES: Water Quality Indicators Salinity Ocean water is constant at 35 ppt (parts per thousand) Freshwater has very little and most freshwater life does not adapt to a high range of salinity. Salinity also affects chemical conditions. NOTES: Water Quality Indicators