The Provo River Watershed
Protecting the Provo River from its headwaters in the high Uinta mountains to its Utah Lake delta.
A Storied Past and a Bright Future
From it's headwaters in the high Uinta's to it's Utah Lake delta, the Provo provides habitat for Utah's spectacular wildlife and abundant resources for it's residents. From drinking water and agricultural use to blue ribbon fishing, the Provo River is not only an idyllic example of Utah's natural beauty but a critical resource for Utah's residents.
Originally named Timpanoquint, meaning "water running over rocks." by Ute people before contact with settlers, the Provo river was renamed by early settlers after trapper Etienne Provost whom the city of Provo is also named.
With the growth of human settlement surrounding the Provo river, impoundment and diversions of the river became necessary to support the growth in the surrounding region. The additions of multiple dams and canals supported human settlements in the area but at a cost to the thriving local ecosystems supported by the natural rhythms of the Provo river. Human activity disrupted the Provo River impacting numerous native species. One such species, the once abundant Bonneville Cutthroat Trout, saw it's numbers dwindle with the changes to the Provo River and its Utah lake delta as their upstream migration route was severed and introduced species out competed them.
Through collaborative restoration efforts, the Provo River is returning to a healthier, more natural, river system. Two sections of the river, the middle and lower sections boast some of the best trout fishing in the world and are considered blue ribbon fisheries. Such a designation highlights a healthy river system in which species flourish. However, the river's health is not guaranteed and ongoing efforts to restore, maintain, and protect the Provo River are critical to maintain this critically important Utah waterway.
Benefits and Uses
Drinking Water
The Provo River, and its reservoirs provide drinking water for millions of Utah residents across multiple counties.
Maintaining water quality in the Provo River not only protects the health of those who rely on the Provo for drinking water but also decreases water treatment costs for these communities as well.
Recreation
With the Middle and Lower sections of the Provo River being designated blue ribbon fisheries the Provo River draws anglers from across the nation, providing economic benefits brought about through tourism.
Agriculture
Utilizing the reservoirs, the river itself, and it's diversions, the Provo River provides necessary water for Utah's robust agricultural sector, providing food for Utahn's and people across the world.
Ecosystem Services
The Provo River not only provides habitat for fish and flora and fauna along it's banks, it also provides numerous, unseen, benefits. By filtering water, mitigating flood damage, and replenishing soil, among a number of other ecosystem services, a healthy Provo River provides nearly-limitless value for human and non-human life.
Threats and Challenges
Nutrient Pollution
Nutrient pollution, namely phosphorus and nitrogen, in the Provo River comes from a collection of sources. From agricultural run-off, to direct, point source, pollution elevated nutrient levels can cause boundless harm to a river. Increasing the likely hood of toxic and non-toxic algae blooms, nutrient pollution not only leads to potentially fatal toxins in water systems, but also disrupts the delicate balance of oxygen in rivers and lakes, leading to extensive die-offs of numerous aquatic species.
E. Coli Bacteria
While most strains of E.coli are harmless, some have the potential to cause serious illness. E.coli comes from the lower intestine of warm-blooded animals and when found in waterways can indicate recent fecal contamination. It is also an indicator that other waterborne pathogens may be present as well.
Metals
Metals occur naturally in sediments and rocks but can be introduced into waterways in large quantities through mining operations, stormwater run-off, improperly designed land-fills and a number of other sources. Dissolved metals can lead to adverse health effects for members of communities that utilize the water as well as impact the ecological health of a waterway.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS)
Occurring in numerous household products, such as non-stick pans and stain repellants, PFAS chemicals are very stable, which allows them to persist in the environment for a long time. According to the CDC exposure to PFAS over time may lead to increased cancer risk, birth defects, and reduced liver function.
Organic Compounds
Organic compounds, like those found in herbicides and pesticides, often enter a stream through stormwater run-off in areas with more agriculture. Organic compounds can degrade water quality and have been linked to adverse health effects. These compounds can permeate the conductive soil around the Provo and enter the water table where concentrations can build in ground water.
Personal Care Products and Pharmaceuticals
Personals care products and prescription and over the counter drugs can enter the water way through sewar systems, run-off from manufacturing, and improper disposal. Many of these compounds contain endocrine disruptors which impact the hormone production in both human and non-human organisms with chronic exposure.
Protecting the Provo
The Provo River provides for millions of Utah residents in a multitude of ways, so its continued health and productivity is of paramount importance. Given how critical the river system is in the region and its many uses, a cooperative approach, involving numerous stakeholders, has proven to be the best way to preserve the Provo River and all of the ways we benefit from it. From federal to state agencies, municipal governments, and non-profit organizations, a varied group of organizations make up the Provo River Watershed Council (PRWC), whose actions are dedicated to protecting the water quality in the Provo River Watershed. These agencies include,
- Central Utah Water Conservancy District (funding member)
- Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District (funding member)
- Metropolitan District of Salt Lake & Sandy (funding member)
- Metropolitan Water District of Provo (funding member)
- Metropolitan Water District of Orem (funding member)
- Heber Valley Special Service District
- Jordanelle Special Service District
- Mountainland Associates of Governments
- Natural Resources Conservation Services
- Provo River Water Users Association
- Salt Lake City Public Utilities
- Summit County
- Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
- U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Provo-area Office
- Utah Department of Environmental Quality
- Utah Department of Natural Resources
- Utah Division of Drinking Water
- Utah Division of Parks and Recreation
- Utah Division of Water Resources
- Wasatch Soil Conservation District
A cooperative approach
A cooperative approach has been essential for the successful and sustainable management of the Provo River. The involvement of multiple stakeholders ensures that a diverse range of perspectives, expertise and resources are brought forth. Collaboration increases the likelihood of finding innovative and comprehensive solutions that address the complex and interconnected issues that effect river health. Some of the key reasons for the success of the Provo River Watershed Council's collaborative approach include:
- Holistic Understanding: Different stake holders, from local communities to federal agencies bring unique knowledge and experience to the restoration and management process. By involving varied perspectives a more holistic understanding of the the river ecosystem has been developed, taking into account not only environmental conditions but also social and economic considerations.
- Resource Mobilization: River management and restoration requires significant financial and human resources. The involvement of the stakeholders above has led to shared funding and collaboration in implementing various restoration and management efforts, making the larger goal of a healthy Provo River more attainable.
- Local Knowledge and Engagement: By including local communities and agencies the council has embraced valuable local knowledge about the river system. Engaging with local agencies and organizations ensures that local perspectives and needs are considered, fostering greater community support and participation in maintaining the health of the Provo River.
- Regulatory Compliance and Support: Actions taken in support of the management of a watershed and river system are often subject to strict regulation. By partnering with federal, state, and local agencies the PRWC ensures that actions taken to bolster the river's health align with existing regulations and policies. This also ensures the PRWC has access to technical expertise, regulatory support, and assistance navigating the complexities of permitting.
- Long-Term Sustainability: Since rivers are a dynamic system affected by both natural and anthropogenic (originating from human action) forces, a cooperative approach helps ensure long-term viability and sustainability of a management or restoration effort. The PRWC works together to monitor projects and water quality over time in order to make adaptive management decisions that help address emerging issues.
- Conflict Resolution: The Provo River serves a number of functions, from municipal water supply to agriculture and restoration. Different stakeholders often have competing interests, leading to conflicts over resource use and management decisions. The PRWC's collaborative approach and multiple funding members allow for an open dialogue, the sharing of resources, and ensure management decisions are data driven.
Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Utah
Want to know more?
The Provo River is a complex system with unique management challenges. Protecting the Provo means protecting people. If you want to learn more about the PRWC's work and the current health of the Provo River Watershed, please visit the link below.
