Utah Center for Water Resources Research

October 2024

The Water bLog is the semi-annual newsletter of the Utah Center for Water
Resources Research, housed at the Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL).

The Center supports the development of applied research related to water resources problems in Utah and promotes instructional programs that will further the training of water resource scientists and engineers.

Water bLog Newsletter Collection

Message from the Director: David Tarboton

One of the core purposes of research here at the Utah Water Research Laboratory is to find solutions to diverse water problems. But research results are only the beginning—good research leaves the lab and gets in the hands of decision-makers involved in those issues.

From mussel restoration in Texas to air quality in Utah and water main breaks across the entire country, our researchers are tied in to the issues of today.

It is my belief that as we collaborate and share good research, we improve our ability to face water challenges both near home and across the world.

UWRL Report Says Lack of Funding for Critical Water Mains is $452 Billion, Over 260,000 Breaks Annually

UWRL faculty have published a third extensive study of commonly used waterpipe materials titled, “Water Main Break Rates in the USA and Canada: A Comprehensive Study.”

UWRL Grad Student Research Informs First-in-Texas Freshwater Mussel Conservation

In 2022, UWRL graduate student Megan DiNicola and USU Professor Belize Lane began mapping 3D-printed replicas of freshwater mussels to study their preferred physical habitat conditions. This research will soon be applied over 1,000 miles away in the reintroduction of freshwater mussels into the San Antonio River.

Researchers Use Drone to Track Ozone Pollution in the State

Researchers with the Utah Water Research Laboratory are taking a closer look at the state’s summer air pollution problems with the help of AggieAir.

Researchers Study the Toxicity and Airborne Spread of Algal Blooms

UWRL students are investigating whether algal blooms in Utah Lake could be airborne. Students repeatedly sent a drone into the lake's water during the week to monitor a cyanobacteria called microcystin.

New USU Study Highlights Channel Response in Upper Colorado Basin

UWRL student Paxton Ridgeway and USU Professor Belize Lane recently released a study on how mountain streams in Upper Colorado Basin respond to the compounded disturbances of wildfire, extreme precipitation and debris flows.

Logan River Observatory Water Measurements Highlighted at Latest Research Landscapes

USU Professor Bethany Neilson was featured at the latest USU Research Landscapes event, with a presentation titled "Measuring Utah's Water: Lessons from the Logan River Observatory".

Other News

2025 Spring Runoff Conference

The next Spring Runoff Conference will be held March 25-26, 2025

The UWRL is turning 60 years old in 2025! We're excited to work with the Spring Runoff Conference and Northern Utah Water Users to celebrate. Put the dates in your calendar for a 2-day water-centric experience.