A new report reveals significant progress in protecting the Great Salt Lake, but warns that continued low water levels pose a grave threat to the lake and surrounding communities. The report highlights the need for sustained efforts to avert a looming ecological and public health crisis.
A new report underscores the urgency of protecting the Great Salt Lake , highlighting significant progress made while emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to avert its demise. The report, compiled by the Great Salt Lake 'strike team,' a collaborative of state agencies and university researchers, was presented at the Kem C. Gardner Institute for Public Policy at the University of Utah .
The team acknowledged substantial advancements in data collection, policy development, strategies implementation, and financial investments in recent years, laying a foundation for long-term success. However, the report stressed that continued low water levels pose a grave threat to both the lake and the communities surrounding it. The current rate of water depletion exceeds the capacity to restore a healthy ecosystem, and climate models predict that future increases in precipitation will be eclipsed by rising air temperatures and evaporation. The report warns that dust plumes emanating from over 800 square miles of exposed lakebed pose significant health and property value risks to Utah residents. These dust plumes, which can contain arsenic, can also accelerate snowmelt rates in nearby mountains. Maps accompanying the report indicate that communities situated around Bear River Bay and Farmington Bay, encompassing cities from Ogden to areas south of Salt Lake City, are particularly vulnerable to exposure to potentially toxic dust.The shrinking Great Salt Lake presents a multifaceted crisis with profound economic, ecological, and public health implications. It reached its lowest levels in 2022, primarily attributed to diversions, drought, and climate change. Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. The lake's elevation in the south arm has remained relatively stable. The north arm, typically lower, has experienced a 2.8-foot rise. Although both arms remain significantly below healthy levels, this increase signifies a positive trend. Salinity levels, a crucial indicator of the lake's health, remain within acceptable ranges. Additionally, upstream reservoir storage is robust, indicating the potential for increased water flow downstream to the Great Salt Lake. Over 288,000 acre-feet of water have been approved for allocation to the lake and its wetlands. While this water may not be immediately delivered, it demonstrates a commitment from water rights holders to prioritize the lake's well-being
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