A Declining Water Supply: How Utah Can Become Adept at Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change

Abstract

Water sustains human life and the ecosystems that make life possible. Yet Utah’s current water management places the vital resource in jeopardy.  When climate change is included in the calculation of projected water supply, the future looks much more bleak. As Utah’s climate changes, its water supplies will diminish. Likewise, the overall quality of water will decrease as demands for potable water reach an all-time high.  This Comment suggests adaptation strategies that Utah can pursue to improve its adaptive capacity and fortify its water governance. Ultimately, this Comment recommends that Utah start developing an adaptation framework in order to prepare for the impacts of climate change before it is too late.