The Effect of Storm Drains on the Jordan River Aquatic Ecology

By Kaden Plewe and Kirsten Moffat

Storm Drains Along the Jordan River

Project Description: In Salt Lake City, al the water and material that gets washed into our storm drains outlets directly into the

Jordan River. This includes all of the chemicals, trash, pesticides, and bacteria that are collected in out drains,

roadways, and parking lots. When these things get washed into the Jordan River they effect the biological structure of the

Jordan River aquatic ecosystem.

900 South Storm Drain

Caption: At the 900 South storm drain there was a film of chemicals which consist mostly of car fluids such as antifreeze

and motor oil as well as other chemicals that run into the streets.

1300 South Storm Drain

Caption: At this location there is a net located on the inside of the storm drain to catch all the trash that is sent through the storm drain. The water then runs through this and collects all

the particles that accumulate in the trash.

1700 South Storm Drain

Caption: This storm drain there was a big film of foam on the top of the water and the water sample shows that there was

also organic material running into this part of the river.

Water Samples

Caption: These are water samples collected at various locations along the Jordan River. The control was collected

from the middle of the river so that is what most of the water looks like away from the storm drains. The four samples on the

right were taken from the inside of their respective storm drains. The particulates that you can see in the samples is

organic material that gets washed down our drains with storm water.

What is being done?

For more information on what is being done look at the other sources on this website talking about storm drains.

How you can help…

Minimize the amount of chemicals washed down the storm drains Here is a link to the cities page regarding storm water:

http://www.southsaltlakecity.com/department-listings/public-works/storm-water