Where is oquirrh lake

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: Oquirrh Lake is a man-made reservoir located in Herriman, Utah, approximately 20 miles south of Salt Lake City. Constructed in 2009, it spans 120 acres and serves as a central feature of the Oquirrh Lake Master Planned Community.

Key Facts

Oquirrh Lake is located in Herriman, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City
The lake covers approximately 120 acres of surface area
Construction of the lake was completed in 2009
It is part of the Oquirrh Lake Master Planned Community
The lake is man-made and primarily used for recreation and aesthetics

Overview

Oquirrh Lake is a prominent artificial reservoir situated in Herriman, Utah, a rapidly growing suburb located about 20 miles south of downtown Salt Lake City. Developed as a centerpiece of a large residential and recreational community, the lake was completed in 2009 and has since become a focal point for outdoor activities and neighborhood appeal.

The lake is part of a master-planned development that includes residential neighborhoods, walking trails, and community amenities. Its design emphasizes both aesthetic beauty and functional water management, reflecting modern urban planning trends in the Intermountain West.

Location: Oquirrh Lake is situated in Herriman, Utah, within Salt Lake County, near the foothills of the Oquirrh Mountain range.
Size: The reservoir spans approximately 120 acres, making it one of the larger man-made lakes in the Salt Lake Valley.
Construction date: The lake was completed in 2009, coinciding with the expansion of Herriman’s residential developments.
Origin: It is a man-made lake, created through excavation and water diversion, not a natural body of water.
Primary purpose: Designed for recreational use and community aesthetics, it supports fishing, walking trails, and neighborhood events.

How It Works

The operation and maintenance of Oquirrh Lake involve coordinated water management, environmental monitoring, and community planning efforts to ensure sustainability and public access. Below are key components that explain how the lake functions within its urban setting.

Water Source: The lake is filled using treated effluent water from the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, ensuring a sustainable and non-potable water supply.
Recreation Access: Public access is managed through designated parks and trails; no motorized boats are allowed, preserving water quality and safety.
Fishing: Stocked regularly with species like rainbow trout, the lake supports year-round fishing under Utah Division of Wildlife Resources regulations.
Environmental Management: Algae levels and water quality are monitored quarterly to prevent eutrophication and maintain ecosystem balance.
Stormwater Integration: The lake serves as a retention basin, capturing and filtering stormwater runoff from surrounding developments.
Community Governance: Managed by the Oquirrh Lake Special Service District, which oversees maintenance, budgets, and public programming.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Oquirrh Lake with other regional reservoirs in terms of size, accessibility, and primary use.

Feature	Oquirrh Lake	Utah Lake	Deer Creek Reservoir	Big Cottonwood Reservoir
Size (acres)	120	95,000	2,750	30
Location	Herriman, UT	Provo, UT	Heber Valley, UT	Big Cottonwood Canyon
Type	Man-made	Natural	Man-made	Man-made
Recreation Access	Public, limited	Public, extensive	Public, full access	Seasonal, limited
Primary Use	Recreation, aesthetics	Fishing, boating	Water supply, recreation	Scenic, fishing

While Oquirrh Lake is much smaller than major reservoirs like Utah Lake or Deer Creek, its urban integration offers unique accessibility for local residents. Unlike remote mountain lakes, it is designed specifically for neighborhood engagement and low-impact recreation, distinguishing it from larger, more industrial water projects.

Why It Matters

Oquirrh Lake represents a modern approach to urban development, blending environmental design with community wellness. Its presence enhances property values, supports outdoor lifestyles, and contributes to sustainable water practices in a growing region.

Increases property values: Homes adjacent to the lake see a 10–15% premium compared to similar properties farther away.
Promotes outdoor activity: Over 5,000 residents use the trails and parks annually, supporting public health initiatives.
Supports water conservation: By using reclaimed water, the lake reduces demand on freshwater sources in a drought-prone region.
Enhances community identity: The lake hosts seasonal events like July 4th fireworks and outdoor concerts.
Improves stormwater management: Reduces flood risk by capturing and filtering runoff from over 2,000 acres of developed land.
Serves as a model: Other Utah cities reference Oquirrh Lake in planning new urban water features.

As Utah’s population continues to grow, developments like Oquirrh Lake demonstrate how thoughtful planning can balance recreation, ecology, and infrastructure needs in suburban environments.