https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/index.xmlRead any of our water quality research articles or search for a specific topic within our areas of focus.https://templateresources.usu.edu/_resources/assets/images/U-State.pnghttps://extension.usu.edu/en-usNewshttps://extension.usu.edu/foodsafety/research/harmful-algal-blooms-risks-for-food-in-utah.phpLearn how harmful algal blooms (HABs) can affect food safety, irrigation water, livestock, and crop production in Utah. This fact sheet explains the risks of cyanotoxins and provides practical steps to help producers reduce exposure and protect their farmFriday, 17 July 2026https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/cutthroat-trout-in-utah.phpThis fact sheet from Utah State University Extension highlights ongoing efforts to restore native cutthroat trout populations in Utah through habitat conservation, community engagement, and programs like the Utah Cutthroat Slam. It educates anglers and thMonday, 30 June 2025https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/heavymetals.phpHeavy metals are elements found in water that can be detrimental to human health. Learn more about the associated health risks and treatment options.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/coliformbacteria.phpColiform bacteria are rod shaped bacteria connected with the colon of warm-blooded animals. Coliform bacteria are useful indicator organisms because their presence in food or water indicate poor sanitary conditions.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/does-my-drinking-water-need-testing.phpThere are various reasons to require professional testing of a drinking water system. Common ways of identifying a need include taste, smell, a recurring illness.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/well-protection-basics.phpOver 23 million households in the United States rely on privately owned wells to supply their drinking water.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/drinking-water-treatment.phpThere are many options to treat contaminated water. Each option addresses different water quality problems. Learn more about various options on the market today.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/10-ways-to-reduce-your-water-quality-footprint-at-home.phpNon-point source pollution comes from various sources, including common household products. Learn about practices homeowners can implement to reduce their water quality footprint.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/fertilizer-storage.phpStoring fertilizer properly is a simple way to reduce point source pollution that occur from fertilizer spills and container failures. Learn more about proper storage areas, containers, and loading pads.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/livestock-and-water-quality.phpImproper livestock management can lead to degraded water quality. Managing stock yards correctly can protect water sources on private properties, and those further downstream.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/irrigation-water-faq.phpIrrigation water comes from a variety of sources. Irrigation water is not treated, making it have negative impacts on human health and crop yields.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/introduction-to-harmful-algal-blooms.phpA harmful algal bloom is a phytoplankton containing toxic cyanobacteria. Often referred to as HABs, cyanobacteria occur when the concentration of nutrients, temperature, and turbulence in a body of water is just right to promote algal growth.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/water-quality-and-fish-growth.phpPollutants such as heavy metals, PFCs, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals can accumulate in the tissues and organs of fish exposing humans through consumption of contaminated fish. Additionally, these pollutants can affect the growth of fish, placing fishhttps://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/ecoli-in-recreational-waters.phpLakes and ponds can become contaminated with coliform bacteria, including E. coli, resulting in water that is unsafe to recreate in.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/nutrient-application-for-water-quality.phpThe use of fertilizer can improve soil nutrients, positively influencing crop yields. However, if used excessively, fertilizer can negatively impact water quality by overloading water systems with nutrients- a state called eutrophication- causing algal blhttps://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/how-to-prevent-the-spread-of-aquatic-invasive-species.phpQuagga and Zebra mussels have been found in water bodies throughout the United States, including Utah. These mussels threaten native species, clog pipes, and ruin equipment. Preventing the spread of invasive species is easier and more cost effective than https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/low-impact-urban-development.phpExisting infrastructure no longer supports current stormwater management needs in many places. The life of current stormwater management systems can be extended through the implementation of low impact development practices.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/pH.phppH is a property of water that can affect the health of fish, heavy metal concentration and more.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/wq-aquatic-macroinvertebrates.phpLearn about aquatic macroinvertebrates. Some of scientists most helpful partners in detecting decreasing water quality are aquatic macroinvertebrates because they react quickly to changing water conditions.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/eutrophication.phpEutrophication refers to the ecological state of a water body after excessive nutrient pollution.https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/research/pfas.phpPFAS are forever chemicals commonly found in food packaging, cookware, fire retardant, and water repellant fabrics. After being found in drinking water, surface water, and ground water, the EPA passed regulation for this water contaminant in 2024, with na