Hey guys, I was wondering if you could help me track down some resources for finding the levels of pollution in some local streams. I've drawn a really good article in my student newspaper on the impact of pollution on fish and other wildlife in local streams, such as the Mill Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Jordan River, etc, and I can't seem to find any information about the levels of pollution in any of them. I figured it had something to do with science, plus it's something that might affect our student body, and the general population if the article's accepted for further publication. If you could steer me in the general dirrection I would very much appreciate it. Thanks. Jerry
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I would make a phone call to the county and ask them who would have this data. It may also be published through the library system.
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The State of Utah Division of Water Quality is going to be your best bet for water quality data (i.e., levels of pollution). This is the organization within the state that collects the majority of the sampling data, and they are responsible for assuring that water bodies and stream courses within the state are meeting water quality standards. Here is the URL to thier website - you should be able to get some contact inforamtion there:
http://www.waterquality.utah.gov
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Yikes! Pollution in Utah streams and rivers is a huge deal. Depending on the river in question, the data may be more abundant than others.
The division of Water Quality does have a lot of that stuff. If you want to get involved in some of that stuff, or want an eye-opening point of view on the issue, make sure you talk to the [url "http://www.utahrivers.org"]Utah Rivers Council[/url].
While they focus a lot on water quantity as opposed to water quality, their director has a pretty deep background in water quality issues, especially as they pertain to the Clean Water Act. Very interesting to hear about Utah's compliance...or lack thereof in many cases.
Right now is the Legislative session, so they're probably busy...but I think it would be worth a call if you're interested in the issue. If you're just after data, then DWQ would have it. In addition, the Jordan River has a watershed coordinator now who is very familiar with pollution levels in the County.
lurechucker
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