Saving the Great Salt Lake: A Lake-First Approach

Poster presented at Western Groundwater Conference, September 12–14, 2023, Burbank, California

The Great Salt Lake, located in Utah, is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and a vital ecosystem that supports a diverse range of wildlife and plants. However, the lake is facing a crisis due to the combined effects of drought, climate change, and human activity. The lake’s water levels have dropped to historic lows, and its salinity levels have increased, threatening the survival of its unique ecosystem.

In response to this crisis, a team of scientists and engineers submitted an emergency brief to the Utah Legislature prior to the 2023 legislative session, urging immediate action to save the Great Salt Lake. The brief highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for significant investments in water management, conservation, and restoration efforts. The scientists and engineers argue that without immediate action, the Great Salt Lake could face irreversible damage, which would have severe economic, environmental, and cultural impacts on the region.

The Great Salt Lake is in need of urgent attention to save its ecosystem and ensure its survival. The emergency brief submitted by a team of experts highlights the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action to protect this vital ecosystem. This presentation will discuss these challenges and the importance of saving this precious resource.