The Great Salt Lake provides a unique ecosystem found nowhere else in the United States. It is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, and one of a handful of terminal lakes in the world. The lake boasts a rich ecosystem that supports a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic life and serves as …
Read MoreUtah Lake is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the western United States. Snowpack runoff from the Wasatch Mountains and water from numerous small tributaries are the primary sources for water to the lake. Primary inflows include the American Fork River, the Provo River, Mill Race Creek, Hobble Creek, the Spanish Fork River, …
Read MoreWater-quality improvements can carry significant costs, which is why DWQ provides low-cost and no-cost funding for wastewater infrastructure and water-quality projects in the state. The Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) receives, on average, a combined $8 million each year from state and federal funding, with an additional $15 million, on average, from loan …
Read MoreExcess nutrient pollution in waterbodies can lead to harmful algal blooms (HABs), more accurately known as harmful cyanobacteria blooms (HCBs). These blooms occur when normally occurring cyanobacteria in the water multiply quickly to form visible colonies or blooms. HABs sometimes produce potent cyanotoxins that can pose serious health risks to people, pets, livestock, and wildlife and harm …
Read MoreExcess nitrogen and phosphorus in waterbodies, known as nutrient pollution, is a growing problem in Utah and across the country. Nutrients are linked to cyanobacterial growth, including harmful algal blooms, and can lower dissolved-oxygen levels in waterbodies, adversely affecting aquatic life. This pollution comes from a variety of sources, including wastewater treatment plants, nonpoint source …
Read MoreThe Division of Water Quality (DWQ) protects surface and groundwater through programs designed to protect, maintain, and enhance the quality of Utah’s waters. DWQ issues permits for discharges into waters of the state, works with stakeholders to reduce nonpoint pollution from agricultural operations and stormwater runoff, and uses scientific data to develop strategies to protect …
Read MoreThe Division of Drinking Water (DDW) is responsible for implementing programs that ensure safe and reliable drinking water throughout the state. Programs include: Source protection for drinking water supplies Financial assistance for construction or upgrades to water systems Engineering plan review Implementation of EPA water-quality and monitoring requirements Community assistance with contamination issues Site inspections …
Read MoreThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies contaminants in drinking water and sets regulatory limits for certain contaminants as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). EPA has delegated primary enforcement responsibility (primacy) for Utah public water systems to the Division of Drinking Water. DDW works with public water systems to ensure they meet the federal drinking-water standards under the …
Read MoreDDW administers two financial assistance programs: the state revolving fund (SRF) and the federal state revolving fund (DWSRF). The state revolving fund program provides funding to political subdivisions such as cities, towns, and districts. Federal SRF funds are available for privately and publicly owned community water systems and nonprofit, non-community water systems. State SRF assistance helps water systems plan, …
Read MoreWater systems that serve 25 or more people for more than 60-days annually or have 15 or more residential connections year-round are subject to Utah Public Drinking Water Rules and must obtain a permit known as an approval. DDW regulates over 1,000 public water systems in the state, and the Permitting Section ensures these water systems comply with …
Read MoreDDW works with water-system operators and public-health officials when contaminants threaten drinking-water systems or sources. This spring and summer, DDW provided technical, engineering, and public-health advice when floods, fires, and E. coli contamination jeopardized drinking water supplies. Drinking water contamination can occur when: Harmful bacteria enter the water Accidents, power outages, or heavy water use …
Read MoreCertified Operator training and technical and engineering support, particularly for smaller rural water systems, are critical for the safe delivery of water to residents. Utah has 789 small water systems that serve less than 500 people. Since many operators for small water systems work on a part-time or voluntary basis, they depend heavily on DDW …
Read MoreDDW continues to develop strategies to improve the allocation of resources, improve performance, and implement innovations that advance quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. Federal funding has decreased in recent years and federal requirements have increased. Optimizing staff time and reducing costs has been a necessity as well as a top priority for the Division and has …
Read MoreThe Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control (DWMRC) helps businesses and residents handle waste properly and plays a critical role in safeguarding Utah residents from harmful exposure to radiation. In 2018, DWMRC accomplished these objectives through: Permitting and compliance for hazardous and solid waste storage, treatment, and disposal facilities Oversight of facilities performing corrective-action …
Read MoreSolid and Hazardous Waste The Division issues permits to solid and hazardous waste facilities to treat, store, and dispose of waste in a manner that protects the land and groundwater from contamination. Permitted solid waste facilities include municipal, commercial, and industrial landfills. The Division issues permits to large commercial and government hazardous-waste facilities and ensures …
Read MoreDWMRC works with companies through its Corrective Action Program to remediate environmental contamination from the improper storage, treatment, or disposal of solid or hazardous waste. Corrective Actions (CAs) ensure that facilities deal with these releases properly to minimize harm to the public and the environment. The Division’s collaborative efforts with businesses and developers on these …
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Air Quality
Drinking Water
Environmental Response and Remediation
Waste Management and Radiation Control
Water Quality
Executive Director’s Office