Interesting Info:

What is a "watershed?"

A watershed is a geographical or geological area of land that catches the rain and snow drained by a single river system. If a drop of rain lands near a ridgeline, it will eventually flow to the stream at the bottom of the canyon. All surface and ground water that contributes to a stream is a part of that watershed system.

The Function of a Watershed

While the average of 16-inches of rainfall on the desert floor would not sustain crops, let alone thriving metropolitan communities, the mountains which cheat each passing cloud of its moisture store that water through the winter in the form of snow.

Here at the water department, we believe "The Greatest Snow on Earth" also provides some of the greatest water on earth. When the valley is baked in sun, the 500-inches annual snowfall in the mountains slowly melts, providing the thirsty Salt Lake Valley with cold, clean water through the summer months.

Islands of Life

In many ways, our Wasatch Front Watershed is an island of life. These watersheds sustain a vibrant community on the edge of the Great Basin desert. The importance of this resource begins with the water supply that provides drinking water and was diverted for irrigation of crops to sustain the first anglo settlers in the valley.

The watersheds provided the timber and minerals used to build Salt Lake City and much of the surrounding community. After these resources were exhausted and pollution began to be a noticeable problem, leaders of the area realized the need to preserve this resource. Today, the Wasatch National Forest boasts healthy stands of timber and is recognized as a unique treasure within 15 minutes of the metropolitan Salt Lake area.

It has become an island that anchors our quality of life along the Wasatch Front with numerous recreation pursuits, destination ski resorts, and breathtaking scenery with seasonal flower and fall color exhibits.

Protected Watershed Areas

In recognition of their importance as a critical water supply, several canyons along the Wasatch Front have been designated "Protected Watershed Areas." Our activities and actions, both on the hillsides and near water sources, impact the quality of our drinking water supply. Here in the Salt Lake Valley, regulations govern our activity in these areas so this vital source of drinking water will be kept clean.

Our Protected Watershed Areas include:

• City Creek Canyon
• Parleys Canyon, Dell Canyon, and Lambs Canyons to the north and east of Mountain Dell Reservoir
• Big Cottonwood Canyon
• Little Cottonwood Canyon

Mill, Emigration and Red Butte Canyons

The water from the other three major Wasatch Front canyons in Salt Lake County is not currently used for drinking water. While the same regulations do not apply to these canyons, it is important for us to recreate and act responsibly in these canyons to preserve these areas for use and enjoyment in future generations.

The water from these canyons is a historical and important source of irrigation water supply. It is likely that this water will be used for drinking water in the future.