Water Quantity

A summary update regarding water conservation and continued drought, including tips for conserving water, written by Emigration Canyon Sustainability Alliance President Willy Stokman in February 2021

Data provided by Dr. Hansen during the hearing on EID's permanent change applications on December 19, 2018. Explains how change in type of precipitation related to climate change - less snow, more rain - is causing increased runoff and decreased recharge of the groundwater system.

Changing weather patterns related to Climate Change have a negative impact on stream flow and the shallow aquifer underneath the creek. Without stream flow private wells along the creek may go dry leaving residents without a water supply.

Map indicating fault lines and geology of Emigration Canyon.

Map indicating springs and tributaries of Emigration Creek. Main tributaries: Freeze Creek, Brigham Fork, Burr Fork, Left Hand Fork and Killyon's Creek.

Seep study of Emigration Creek indicating losing and gaining parts of the stream as a result of superficial groundwater flow. Provides insight in the close connection between groundwater flow and surface water flow.

According to the USGS 40 to 50% of water in streams is contributed by groundwater.

Map of mean annual precipitation in Emigration Canyon.

Graph of mean monthly flow rates of Emigration Creek from 1991 to 2009 demonstrating peak flow of 30 cfs (cubic feet per second) in April/May and 0 to5 cfs from September through January.

Flow rates of Emigration Creek are changing as a result of climate change and water diversions through wells. Data presented by Dr. Hansen on December 19, 2018, demonstrate average August flow rate of 1.6 cfs - based on historical data - has not been met in 10 of the last 17 years.

UGS groundwater study proposal by Stefan M. Kirby