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Utah Water Science Center

Welcome to the USGS Utah Water Science Center webpage. We collaborate with many partners to monitor, assess, conduct targeted research, and deliver information on a wide range of water resources. Explore some of our work through these pages.

News

Saline Lake Ecosystems IWAA February 2025 Seminar

Saline Lake Ecosystems IWAA February 2025 Seminar

From Lake to Table: $3 Million Investment Helps Track Great Salt Lake's Future

From Lake to Table: $3 Million Investment Helps Track Great Salt Lake's Future

New USGS data-driven tools can aid restoration of mine lands across America

New USGS data-driven tools can aid restoration of mine lands across America

Publications

Contributions of Great Salt Lake playa- and industrially-sourced priority pollutant metals in dust contribute to possible health hazards in the communities of northern Utah Contributions of Great Salt Lake playa- and industrially-sourced priority pollutant metals in dust contribute to possible health hazards in the communities of northern Utah

Communities and ecosystems of northern Utah, USA receive particulate pollution from anthropogenic activity and dust emissions from sources including the Great Salt Lake (“the Lake”) playa. In addition to affecting communities, anthropogenic pollution is delivered to the Lake's playa sediments, which are eroded during dust events. Yet, spatial variability in dust flux and composition and...
Authors
Annie Putman, Molly Blakowski, Destry DiViesti, Diego Fernandez, Morgan McDonnell, Patrick Longley, Daniel Jones

Application of mercury stable isotopes to examine sources and hydrologic factors impacting mercury bioaccumulation and cycling in invertebrates of a model saline lake Application of mercury stable isotopes to examine sources and hydrologic factors impacting mercury bioaccumulation and cycling in invertebrates of a model saline lake

Invertebrates, such as brine shrimp and brine flies, are key prey items for millions of resident and migratory birds that utilize saline lakes such as Great Salt Lake (GSL). Elevated methylmercury (MeHg) in invertebrate and waterfowl species of GSL has been assumed to be linked to elevated MeHg in GSL’s anoxic Deep Brine Layer (DBL) where aqueous concentrations can exceed 30 ng/L. Here...
Authors
Samuel Lopez, Sarah E. Janssen, Michael T. Tate, Frank J. Black, Hannah Mcilwain, Laura Flucke, Jacob Ogorek, William Johnson

Estimation of baseflow and flooding characteristics for East Canyon Creek, Summit and Morgan Counties, Utah Estimation of baseflow and flooding characteristics for East Canyon Creek, Summit and Morgan Counties, Utah

An improved understanding of hydrologic responses to changing climatic conditions is needed to better inform water management practices. East Canyon Creek, a perennial, snowmelt-dominated stream in the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah, is subjected to increasing development and demands on water in the Snyderville Basin and adjacent areas. In this study, streamflow and specific...
Authors
Jonathan Root, Christine Rumsey

Science

Dust from the Great Salt Lake dry lakebed: a possible health risk for communities in northern Utah

By analyzing dust samples in northern Utah, the USGS is providing crucial insights about the importance of water and lakebed management to mitigate dust pollution and protect vulnerable communities in northern Utah.
Dust from the Great Salt Lake dry lakebed: a possible health risk for communities in northern Utah

Dust from the Great Salt Lake dry lakebed: a possible health risk for communities in northern Utah

By analyzing dust samples in northern Utah, the USGS is providing crucial insights about the importance of water and lakebed management to mitigate dust pollution and protect vulnerable communities in northern Utah.
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Navigating PFAS Contamination: Insights from the USGS Potomac River Watershed Study

The Potomac River is a major watershed in the eastern United States that serves as a crucial water supply for millions of people. USGS researchers conducted a comprehensive investigation to identify the contributions of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plant effluent to the levels of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Potomac River. This study included measuring PFAS...
Navigating PFAS Contamination: Insights from the USGS Potomac River Watershed Study

Navigating PFAS Contamination: Insights from the USGS Potomac River Watershed Study

The Potomac River is a major watershed in the eastern United States that serves as a crucial water supply for millions of people. USGS researchers conducted a comprehensive investigation to identify the contributions of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plant effluent to the levels of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Potomac River. This study included measuring PFAS...
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Leading the Way: Specialized Laboratory Contributions to Environmental Health

The Environmental Health Program features a Unified Core Technology Team comprised of multiple laboratories with specialized expertise that support the overall program research assessing actual and perceived risks from environmental contaminants and pathogens. Individual Core Technology Teams work closely with the Integrated Science Teams to ensure current and emerging techniques are being used to...
Leading the Way: Specialized Laboratory Contributions to Environmental Health

Leading the Way: Specialized Laboratory Contributions to Environmental Health

The Environmental Health Program features a Unified Core Technology Team comprised of multiple laboratories with specialized expertise that support the overall program research assessing actual and perceived risks from environmental contaminants and pathogens. Individual Core Technology Teams work closely with the Integrated Science Teams to ensure current and emerging techniques are being used to...
Learn More
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