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Jordan River Commission highlights Great Salt Lake risks, water-quality monitoring and Sept. 20 river festival
Summary
Bruce Polio of the Jordan River Commission briefed the council on integrated-basin studies, monitoring results including E. coli findings, aquatic life concerns and local river-front activities; the annual Get to the River festival will be Sept. 20 at Germania Park.
MURRAY, Utah — Bruce Polio of the Jordan River Commission updated the council on July 15 about long-term studies of tributaries feeding the Great Salt Lake, water-quality monitoring in the Jordan River watershed and outreach events planned this fall.
Polio said the commission is focused on the Jordan’s role in the Great Salt Lake basin and highlighted integrated-basin planning work that examines how inflows are allocated to groundwater recharge, wetlands, agriculture, municipalities and evaporation. "Some of the things that they're concerned about are, you know, where the water how much goes into groundwater to recharge the aquifers, how much stays in wetlands," Polio said.
Key points from the commission briefing - Water-quality monitoring: Polio reported the state’s Division of Water Quality has found E. coli in about 30 percent of the 330 miles of river segments tested; the Jordan Commission is monitoring main tributaries including Little Cottonwood Creek, Big Cottonwood Creek, Mill Creek and others that flow through Murray. - Aquatic life and contamination: Polio said aquatic life is more abundant near the river’s source at Utah Lake and that water quality tends to decline downstream toward the Great Salt Lake; copper and other contaminants were noted as local issues. - River safety and infrastructure: Polio said the commission and local jurisdictions are working on river access improvements such as portages and boat launches; he noted a portage near Murray’s public works yard at Fifth West where people can safely exit hazardous stretches. - Public events: The annual Get to the River festival (Jordan River Commission) will include activities on Sept. 20 at Germania Park, featuring chalk art and other events along the corridor.
Discussion versus action This was an informational update; the commission’s monitoring and outreach activities were described but no council action was required. Polio encouraged residents and council members to visit the Jordan River Commission website for additional species lists and event details.
Ending note Polio urged continued attention to water allocations and monitoring as the commission works on projects tied to the health of the Jordan River and the Great Salt Lake basin.
