We can’t control the amount of precipitation that feeds our watershed, but each one of us has a part to play in controlling how much of that precipitation stays in the stream.
The quality of the water in East Canyon Creek is heavily dependent on sufficient flows during the summer months. Competition for water from residential and commercial interests put the ecological integrity of the stream at risk. The more water that is diverted from the stream for watering residential landscapes, golf courses, keep ponds full, supply water features, and irrigate agricultural fields increases the real threats on the stream. Below are a few effects that taking water from the stream that are observed on East Canyon Creek:
- Reduction of natural inflows and subsequent low water in the stream leads to higher water temperatures. Hotter water holds less of the oxygen needed by fish and other aquatic organisms. Water temperatures have been observed in the creek that can be lethal to fish populations.
- Low flows concentrate pollution in the stream. Without sufficient flows to dilute pollution such as nutrients, sediment, pesticides, or pharmaceuticals, these pollutants become concentrated beyond normal levels. This hyper concentration can be harmful to all life that depends on the stream.
- Low flows lack the capacity for healthy, year round sediment movement in the stream. Sedimentation of the streambed reduces aquatic habitat quality.
- Low flows reduce the quality and quantity of critical habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms.
Water conservation is one of the most important things individuals can do for the creek. Reducing the consumption of your water intake will mean that more water will be able to stay in the stream, ensuring that this precious resource will be robust and healthy throughout this critical part of the year.
