Impact Of Water Diversion On Great Salt Lake Levels ~…

by WCW | Mar 16, 2025 | Salton Sea | 0 comments

Table of Contents

Impact of water diversion on Great Salt Lake levels in New Mexico – Roughly 14.5 inches (368 mm) per year.

Salton Sea, etc…

The Great Salt Lake Is Losing Its Mojo

The Great Salt Lake, that giant puddle in Utah, is shrinking fast! And it’s not good news.

Basically, we’re taking too much water from the rivers that feed it. We use it for drinking, farming, and all sorts of stuff. This means less water is making it to the lake, and it’s getting smaller and smaller.

It’s a bummer because the Great Salt Lake is super important for the environment and the economy. It’s home to lots of wildlife and supports a bunch of businesses. So, we need to find a way to share the water better before things get even worse!

The Great Salt Lake is Shrinking: What’s Happening?

TL;DR: The Great Salt Lake is shrinking due to water diversions, which are taking water away from the lake for human use. This is a big problem because the lake is important for the environment and the economy. There are groups working on solutions, and you can learn more about them online!

The Great Salt Lake is Drying Up

The Great Salt Lake, a massive body of water in Utah, is facing a serious problem: it’s shrinking! This isn’t just a minor change – the lake has lost a huge amount of water, making it smaller than it’s been in decades. This has huge consequences for the environment and the economy.

Water Diversions: The Culprit

The main reason for the shrinking Great Salt Lake is water diversions. This means that water that would naturally flow into the lake is being taken away for human use. Think of it like a giant straw sucking up water from a bathtub. Farmers, cities, and other communities need water for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes, and this water is often diverted from rivers that would otherwise feed the lake.

The Impact on New Mexico

While the Great Salt Lake is in Utah, New Mexico plays a role in this story. The Rio Grande River, which starts in Colorado and flows through New Mexico, is a major source of water for the Great Salt Lake. A lot of water is taken out of the Rio Grande before it reaches Utah, reducing the amount that flows into the lake.

The Rio Grande: A Lifeline

The Rio Grande is a lifeline for many people in New Mexico. It provides water for farming, drinking, and many other uses. However, because so much water is taken from the river, it doesn’t have as much water to reach the Great Salt Lake.

Why is a Shrinking Lake a Problem?

The Great Salt Lake plays a big role in the ecosystem and the economy of Utah. Here’s why a shrinking lake is a serious problem:

Dust Storms: When the lake shrinks, dry lakebed is exposed. This dry lakebed can be easily blown by the wind, creating dust storms that can carry harmful pollutants and affect air quality.
Wildlife: Many birds and other animals depend on the Great Salt Lake for food and shelter. As the lake shrinks, their habitat disappears, putting them at risk.
Tourism: The Great Salt Lake is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. A shrinking lake means fewer tourists, hurting the local economy.

Finding Solutions: Active Climate Rescue Initiative

There are groups working on solutions to help the Great Salt Lake. One such group is the Active Climate Rescue Initiative, a group of experts focused on developing innovative ways to combat climate change. They’re studying different technologies and methods to address water shortages and help restore the lake. You can learn more about their work on their website: https://climate-rescue.org/

Summary

The Great Salt Lake is facing a shrinking problem due to water diversions. While human needs for water are important, we also need to protect our environment. Water diversion, especially from the Rio Grande, contributes to the shrinking lake. The shrinking lake negatively affects the environment, wildlife, and local economies. There are organizations, like the Active Climate Rescue Initiative, working on solutions. By understanding the problem and supporting these efforts, we can all play a part in preserving the Great Salt Lake.