Why are dead fish washing up in Big Cottonwood Creek?

SALT LAKE CITY — Dead fish are washing up in Big Cottonwood Creek. However, Salt Lake County Department of Health spokesman Nicholas Rupp said it isn’t uncommon this time of the year.

Rupp said high temperatures and increased water usage are causing the fish to suffocate.

“That low oxygen in the water due to the extreme heat that we’re seeing right now plus lower water levels because of increased diversions — you know taking water out of the creek — that’s what’s causing those fish to die. They’re suffocating because they don’t have enough oxygen in the water.”

 According to Rupp, the best way to help sustain oxygen levels is to use less water. 

“Decreasing our water use would certainly be helpful for our environment, period,” said Rupp. “But, this is unfortunately one of the effects of global climate change, that we’re going to be seeing hotter and longer periods of hotter heat. That’s just something we’re going to have to deal with.”

Reports of dead white bass have been coming in since last month. The Department of Health said it impacts trout and bass the most. 

The Department of Health said they have not received reports of any other bodies of water with a lot of dead fish. 

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