Second only to Nevada, Utah is one of the driest states year-round in the entire country. Its water supply is highly dependent on winter snowfall to replenish the snowpack that provides streams, lakes, and rivers with the majority of their water. Fall often brings soaking rainstorms to Utah that also help with water replenishment.
Utah is one of the few states to have a keen eye on the warming trend believed to be caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Warmer average temperatures mean less snowfall, which could cause a dire situation in a dry state reliant on snow.
As it stands now, most of Utah is sourcing its water from surface sources like the lakes and rivers mentioned earlier. Some supplementary water is pulled from groundwater sources called aquifers, however, these are used simply to amend surface sources.
Like any surface water, Utah water treatment facilities must constantly monitor for contaminants from pollutants like agriculture and industry. Nitrites must be accounted for as farm waste often finds its way into streams and rivers. Treatment makes the water safe to consume but can have some unpleasant impacts.
Hard water is not uncommon as it is formed by water absorbing naturally occurring minerals and earth metals. While not physically harmful, hard water causes problems around the house and is rarely treated successfully before it enters the public system.
Common Water Problems by City
While many towns and cities share water sources there are many factors that create disparity amongst the end-products. Different treatment methods, mineral content, and supply systems all play in a role in a city’s unique water quality and water problems.
City | Water Source | Common Problems | Typical Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
Salt Lake City | Wasatch Mountain Watershed | Chlorination Hard Water | Poor Taste Dry Skin |
West Valley City | Several Reservoirs Well-Drawn Water | Hard Water | Dry Skin Limescale Spotty Dishes |
Ogden | Weber River Drainage | Hard Water | Dry Skin Limescale |
Salt Lake City
Many streams and rivers flow from the Wasatch Mountains into the storage facilities used by Salt Lake City to keep its water from evaporating into thin air. These tanks and underground storage systems hold the water until it is required for use.
Salt Lake City uses chlorination as a disinfectant to remove any bacteria absorbed by the water as it travels from the source. Farmland is a common source of these harmful bacteria, as waste from livestock can enter the watershed as runoff.
While making the water safe to consume, disinfectants can produce a poor taste or smell and be noticeable when consuming the water.
Hard water is also common in Salt Lake City. This condition is created by the water absorbing mineral content as it travels from the source to your tap. Those who bathe in hard water often experience dry skin or an itchy scalp.
West Valley City
The water needs of this region are met by a variety of sources including water purchased from other municipalities and deep groundwater supplies drawn to the surface by wells.
The primary complaint of residents here is the hard water emanating from their taps. This condition, caused by mineral absorption, can cause headaches around the home and business.
Hard water notoriously creates limescale and soap scum. Cleaning either of these buildups is challenging and limescale can slow plumbing if it is allowed to build up significantly in pipes.
Dry skin is often a symptom of bathing in hard water. Soap scum is notable in areas supplied with hard water, as hard water combines with soap products to create a film around tubs and sinks.
Ogden
Ogden sources most of its water from the Weber River drainage. Much of this supply makes its way to the Pineview Reservoir and awaits treatment before being sent on to the public supply.
There are several wells and springs that supplement the main Weber River supply. Every source features water that has had time to absorb a high mineral content, meaning Ogden residents frequently experience the impacts of hard water.
Hard water can cause dry skin after bathing, spotty glassware after washing, and inefficiencies of appliances that use water. Limescale is also unsightly and can build up around faucets and taps.