Category: Water Quality

  • Proper Disposal and Recycling of Mercury

    It is critical that mercury be properly disposed of to ensure protection to humans, wildlife and the environment. Local health department offices in Utah may have containers available to collect mercury containing products from residents. To determine which region you are in check the Local Health Departments and District Engineers page. Please call them first…

  • Disposal of Button Cell Batteries that Contain Mercury

    Mercury was discontinued from regular alkaline batteries in 1996. Mercury is still used in button cell batteries in the types listed below. Do not place button cell batteries in the regular trash. It is recommended, to place the spent batteries in a sealed childproof container out of reach of children. Batteries are known to be…

  • Disposal of Switches that Contain Mercury

    The most common type of switch containing mercury is the tilt switch. Tilt switches are activated by a change in orientation (e.g. turning on/off the light in a vehicle engine compartment when the hood is opened and closed). The information below will: Help you identify products that contain mercury switches, Identify mercury-free alternatives where available,…

  • Disposal of Flame Sensors and Temperature Probes that Contain Mercury

    Mercury-containing flame sensors and temperature probes may be found in gas-fired appliances. A flame sensor or temperature probe consists of a metal bulb and thin tube attached to a gas-control valve. The mercury is contained inside the tube and expands or contracts to open and shut the valve. Mercury is contained in the probe and…

  • Disposal of Gauges that Contain Mercury

    Devices that measure pressure may contain mercury. Barometers, manometers and vacuum gauges all have a gauge for reading air pressure. Liquid mercury in the gauges responds to air pressure in a precise way that can be read on a calibrated scale. Many barometers, sphygmomanometers (blood pressure monitors), vacuum gauges contain mercury ranging from 100 to…

  • Disposal of Thermometers that Contain Mercury

    There are various types of thermometers used for many applications. One common type is the fever thermometer. Although Utah does not have legislation banning the sale of fever thermometers, most Utah pharmacies and grocers have pledged to no longer offer mercury fever thermometers for sale in their stores. All mercury containing thermometers and manometers must…

  • Disposal of Thermostats that Contain Mercury

    Thermostats are commonly found in most homes and are also used for commercial applications as a means of regulating room temperature. The photo at the right shows common thermostats and the glass ampoule under the cover which contains the mercury. Mercury thermostats should not be disposed of in the regular trash. The information provided below…

  • Storage of Waste Products that Contain Mercury

    Waste Mercury-Containing Product Handling and Storage Guidelines for Commercial and Institutional Facilities All employees who handle or manage mercury-added products shall be informed of proper handling and emergency procedures. Store mercury added products (fabricated products) in a designated area which is separate from solid waste disposal. (fabricated products do not include elemental mercury or mercury…

  • Mercury Spills and Broken Thermometers

    Mercury Spill Information Even the smallest amount of mercury needs to be treated as a serious issue. Care must be taken not to touch the mercury. Federal Notification Any time one pound or more of mercury is released to the environment (outside air,water, soil, or sewer system), the spiller must call the National Response Center…

  • Utah Lake Steering Committee:
    Utah Lake Water Quality Study

    The Utah Lake Water Quality Study Steering Committee is a 16-member committee representing a diverse group of stakeholders interested in protecting and improving water quality in Utah Lake through a collaborative, transparent, and consensus-based decision-making process. The Steering Committee was formed in 2016 by a stakeholder-led initiative to establish a formal process by which committee…

  • Phase 3: Implementation Planning for Phase 2 Criteria:
    Utah Lake Water Quality Study

    During the implementation planning phase of the study, the Steering Committee will review the recommendations of the Science Panel and formulate a plan that achieves and/or maintains water quality protective of designated beneficial uses while also balancing costs and benefits. During this review, the Steering Committee will:

  • Utah Lake, Jordan River, Canals Algal Bloom 2016

    Update: October 11, 2016 The last few samples taken at Utah Lake showed minimal cyanobacteria cell concentrations. The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) has suspended harmful algal bloom (HAB) data collection until or unless it receives reports of deteriorating conditions from field crews visiting the lake weekly or members of the public. Three buoys collecting…

  • Phase 2: Criteria Development:
    Utah Lake Water Quality Study

    The Steering Committee and Science Panel will evaluate the factors that impact the lake’s designated beneficial uses, including the factors that lead to harmful algal blooms on Utah Lake, during Phase 2 of the Study. This evaluation will guide additional research needed to address data gaps and develop site-specific numeric criteria for phosphorus and lake…

  • Model Development:
    Utah Lake Water Quality Study

    The selection and development of a water quality model of Utah Lake were initiated as part of the Utah Lake Water Quality Study. The primary objective of the model is to function as a decision-support and water-quality management tool to address eutrophication in Utah Lake. Key objectives for the Utah Lake nutrient model: A secondary…

  • Nutrient Loading Analysis:
    Utah Lake Water Quality Study

    Watershed delivery of flow and nutrient loading to Utah Lake are important for understanding how nutrients are processed in the lake and the resulting water quality of the lake. Simulations of in-lake water-quality conditions will use a series of in-lake water-quality and hydrodynamic models (EFDC and WASP). Since these models do not explicitly simulate delivery…

  • Scofield Reservoir Algal Bloom 2016

    Update: October 11, 2016 The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) has suspended harmful algal bloom (HAB) data collection. The Southeast Utah Health Department continues to conduct weekly visits to the reservoir to observe conditions. A CAUTION advisory remains on the reservoir and will likely remain until the end of October. Update: September 26, 2016 Cyanobacteria…

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