Water-resources activities of the U.S. Geological Survey in Utah, October 1, 1993, to September 30, 1994

Abstract

Water Resources Division, is entering its 105th year of activities in Utah. As Utah's demand for water has increased, so has the need for quantitative, unbiased water-resources data and interpretive studies. The Utah District program is designed to provide this information and help the Water Resources Division meet its goal of assessing the quantity and quality of the Nation's water resources. Total funding for the Utah District during fiscal year 1994 was about $5.0 million, which is the same amount as for fiscal year 1993. During fiscal year 1994, the Utah District initiated a National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) study in the Great Salt Lake drainage basin. Funding for the NAWQA program during the first year was about $0.2 million but is expected to increase to about $1.5 million during the coming years and create a significant increase in the overall District program. The most significant hydrologic event of the 1994 water year was the return of drought conditions throughout Utah. Precipitation was less than normal throughout most of the State and much less than normal in some areas. Precipitation at 8 of 11 selected recording stations was less than normal. Streamflow at seven index gaging stations ranged from 59 to 79 percent of the long-term mean flow. Spring runoff was deficient because of less-than-normal snowpack, and streams reached baseflow conditions in May or June instead of July or August as is normal. Reservoir storage was adequate because of a larger-than-normal carryover from the wetter-than-normal 1993 water year. Monitoring hydrologic conditions during fiscal year 1994 presented special challenges and illustrated the usefulness of long-term records. As Streamflow decreased, water managers and decision makers required accurate and timely discharge data to ensure that each user received the appropriate amount of available water. The longterm records were useful in placing the current drought into historical perspective and provided a basis for worstcase-scenario planning.