Chapter Two: Water

Utah has experienced declining trends in precipitation, increased temperature, and a shift in precipitation from snow to rain since 1950.

Low water levels in reservoirs are due to declining natural runoff, slowly increasing consumptive uses in the Upper Basin, and releases to the Lower Basin.

The way that new growth and development occurs in the state has a major impact on urban water demand.

Utah’s scarce wetlands suffer from lack of water, pollution, and invasive species like phragmites, but cooperative teams are working to take them back.

Harmful algal blooms are increasing across Utah, leading to a water quality crisis that endangers human health, the environment, and economies throughout the state.