Date of Award

5-2019

Degree Type

Report

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mathematics and Statistics

Committee Chair(s)

Yan Sun

Committee

Yan Sun

Committee

Simon Wang

Committee

Richard Cutler

Abstract

The Colorado River is one of the largest resources for water in the United States, as well as being an important asset to the economy. Previous studies have shown a connection between the Great Salt Lake and the Colorado River. This study used time series analysis to build models to predict the water supply of the Colorado River ten years out. These models used data from the Colorado River in addition to Great Salt Lake water elevation. Several models suggest a decline in water supply from 2013 – 2020, before starting to increase. These predictions differ from predictions published by a 2012 government report that came from climate modeling. Comparing this study’s predictions with the 2012 government report’s predictions state a large difference between water supply and water demand around the year 2020. Further research is needed to update similar models to predict water supply. This information could be helpful in management’s decisions to influence their water saving plans.

Share

COinS