Why it matters:
The Great Salt Lake Strike Team’s latest analysis reveals both challenges and opportunities for Utah’s iconic lake, showing that while current water levels remain concerning, there’s a clear path to recovery through decisive action.
The big picture:
A combination of human water consumption and rising temperatures has created a critical situation for the lake, threatening Utah’s economy, air quality, and vital ecosystems.
Driving the news:
The Strike Team’s data shows:
- Lake levels remain significantly below healthy ranges
- The north arm saw encouraging gains with a 2.8-foot rise in 2024
- Adding 250,000 acre-feet annually could help restore healthier levels by 2034
State of play:
Without intervention, the lake faces continued decline into dangerous territory. However, data shows that increased water flows can reverse this trend.
What they’re saying:
“The bad news is, lake levels are quite far below where they were 10 or 20 years ago,” said William Anderegg, professor of biology and director of the Wilkes Center of Climate Science and Policy at the University of Utah. “The good news is, we’re making a lot of progress on the tools, the policy and just the awareness of what we need to do to get more water to the lake.”
Key insight:
Individual actions play a crucial role in the lake’s future. Everything from residential water use to agricultural practices impacts how much water reaches the Great Salt Lake.
“People have to understand that their actions actually make a difference,” said Brian Steed, Great Salt Lake commissioner. “How much water you put on your grass actually impacts how much water can make it to the Great Salt Lake.”
Looking ahead:
The state has set ambitious but achievable goals for lake recovery, particularly focused on showing progress before Utah hosts the world in 2034.
The bottom line: While the challenges facing the Great Salt Lake are significant, the data shows that through coordinated effort and smart water management, Utah can preserve this crucial resource for future generations.
