Watershed Symposium 2024

Great Salt Lake Stormwater Study: Basin-Wide Analysis of Stormwater Flows, Low-Impact Development and Groundwater Contributions developed a water-balance model to explore the impacts of Low-Impact Development (LID) on the Great Salt Lake watershed.

Full Abstract:
This study, completed in 2023, entitled Great Salt Lake Stormwater Study: Basin-Wide Analysis of Stormwater Flows, Low-Impact Development and Groundwater Contributions developed a water-balance model to explore the impacts of Low-Impact Development (LID) on the Great Salt Lake watershed. LID refers to, “engineered systems, either structural or natural, that use or mimic natural processes to promote infiltration, evapo-transpiration, and/or reuse of storm water as close to its source as possible to protect water quality and aquatic habitat.” LID mimics the undeveloped water flows within a watershed which reduces the volume of runoff and the flows through conveyances thereby improving water quality of stormwater. The team performed an integrated water assessment, including quantification of the influence of low impact development practices associated with post-construction retention stormwater permit requirements on runoff to the Great Salt Lake. The project consisted of a literature review, data compilation, and methodology development and implementation that led to development and application of a SWMM model to estimate how future development with and without LID impacts surface water runoff and groundwater recharge in the context of the Great Salt Lake watershed. SWMM model results were used in MODFLOW groundwater models to elucidate both the surface and groundwater paths to Great Salt Lake. This talk will highlight the potential impacts of LID on the Great Salt Lake watershed including surface water and groundwater systems.