Great Salt Lake Water Levels (1985 Vs 2022) » The…

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Mega Drought | 0 comments

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Great Salt Lake water levels (1985 vs 2022) in Colorado – About 15.9 inches (404 mm) per year.

Great Salt Lake water levels (1985 vs 2022), Mega Drought, and more…

The Great Salt Lake: A Fight for Survival

The once-mighty Great Salt Lake is shrinking, a casualty of the ongoing megadrought and our insatiable thirst for the Colorado River’s water. Its receding shoreline tells a stark tale of a battle lost, a landscape ravaged by our relentless demands. The consequences? They ripple outwards, threatening not just the lake’s fragile ecosystem, but the very livelihood of millions.

Dust devils dance across the exposed lakebed, carrying with them a toxic cocktail of arsenic, mercury, and other pollutants. These airborne hazards pose a threat to human health, particularly for those living near the lake. The shrinking water body also disrupts the migratory paths of countless birds, impacting the delicate balance of the entire region’s ecosystem.

But amidst this bleak outlook, a flicker of hope emerges. Active Climate Rescue, a dedicated group of environmental advocates, is fighting tirelessly to save the Great Salt Lake. Their mission? To raise awareness, push for policy changes, and inspire individuals to take action.

We can all play a part in this crucial battle. Conserving water at home, supporting sustainable businesses, and advocating for responsible water management are vital steps in restoring the lake’s health. By joining forces with organizations like Active Climate Rescue, we can help turn the tide and ensure the Great Salt Lake’s future.

It’s time to act. The Great Salt Lake needs our help.

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

TL;DR – The Great Salt Lake is getting smaller due to a long drought and how we use water. This is bad news for the lake, the environment, and even our health. A group called Active Climate Rescue is working to help.

The Great Salt Lake: A Once Mighty Sea

Imagine a giant bathtub, bigger than the state of Rhode Island. Now imagine that bathtub shrinking, losing water faster than you can fill it. That’s what’s happening to the Great Salt Lake.

In 1985, the Great Salt Lake was a healthy size. It was a vital part of Utah’s environment, supporting wildlife like birds, fish, and even brine shrimp that are eaten by migrating birds. But over the past few decades, things have changed.

A Thirsty Land: The Colorado River

The Colorado River is a lifeline for many states, including Utah. It supplies water for drinking, farming, and even electricity. But the Colorado River isn’t getting enough water anymore.

It hasn’t rained as much in the West, especially since the year 2000. Scientists call this a “megadrought,” meaning it’s a long period of very little rain. This drought has been going on for over 20 years, and it’s making the Colorado River very dry.

The Great Salt Lake: A Losing Battle

The Great Salt Lake relies on water from the Colorado River. But because the river is running dry, the lake isn’t getting enough water to stay healthy. The Great Salt Lake’s water level has been shrinking for decades, and it’s now at its lowest point in history.

Here’s how bad it is: In 1985, the Great Salt Lake was about 4,200 square miles big. In 2022, it’s only about 1,300 square miles. That’s a huge difference!

The Consequences of a Shrinking Lake

The shrinking Great Salt Lake is bad news for everyone. Here are some reasons why:

  • Wildlife is losing their homes: Birds, fish, and other animals rely on the lake for food and shelter. As the lake shrinks, they have fewer places to live.
  • The air is getting worse: The Great Salt Lake’s dry lakebed is like a giant dust bowl. When the wind blows, it kicks up dust that can be harmful to breathe.
  • The climate is changing: The lake helps regulate Utah’s climate by keeping it cool and moist. When the lake shrinks, the climate becomes hotter and drier.

Active Climate Rescue: A Helping Hand

A group called Active Climate Rescue is working hard to help the Great Salt Lake. They are experts in finding ways to make sure the lake has enough water. They use special technology and smart ways to manage the water we use.

Active Climate Rescue is like a team of water detectives. They are working hard to understand how much water we use and how to conserve it. They are also researching ways to bring more water to the Great Salt Lake.

A Call to Action

The Great Salt Lake is a vital part of our environment. We need to work together to save it. By being aware of the problem, using less water, and supporting organizations like Active Climate Rescue, we can help the Great Salt Lake recover.

Summary: The Great Salt Lake is shrinking due to a long megadrought and the way we use water from the Colorado River. The shrinking lake has harmful effects on wildlife, air quality, and the climate. Active Climate Rescue is working to find solutions to save the Great Salt Lake. They are studying how to manage water better and bring more water to the lake. We can all help by being aware of the problem, conserving water, and supporting organizations like Active Climate Rescue.


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