Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
The Great Salt Lake is a natural marvel. It is the largest saline lake in the Western Hemisphere. And it's dying.
Last season's snow totals may have given the lake a much-needed boost, but it's not enough to sustain it long-term. In fact, if the lake continues to drop water levels at its current rate, a Brigham Young University College of Life Sciences report warns that it could disappear in five years. If that happens, several serious consequences will follow.
Here are five reasons it is imperative to protect and preserve the Great Salt Lake.
It's an important migration and breeding spot for birds
The Great Salt Lake is a major part of the Pacific Flyway migration route for birds between North and South America. The Utah Division of Water Resources reports that 10 million birds from 338 species flock to the lake every year "to rest, eat and breed" on their migrations of 1,000 miles or more.
The Great Salt Lake is increasingly important to these species as other nearby lakes decline, the division's website says.
In addition to being a migratory hotspot, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources states that the lake is "home to the largest breeding colony of American white pelicans west of the continental divide."
The lake provides major economic benefits
The Great Salt Lake doesn't just benefit birds — it helps the economy. According to the Utah Division of Water Resources, the lake's annual economic output is $1.32 billion. The total labor income is $375.1 million and it's responsible for 7,706 jobs. Every year, the Jordan, Weber and Bear Rivers deposit millions of tons of salt and minerals in the lake, which mining companies extract.
"The industries that operate on the lake contribute significantly to the world supply of magnesium, sulfate of potash, and brine shrimp," the division states.
It creates recreational opportunities, too
Aside from the minerals and brine shrimp, the economy gets another boost from the lake in the form of recreational activities. People come for boating, birding, kayaking, biking, sightseeing and more.
According to a report from the Kem C. Gardner Institute, nearly 150,000 people visited the Great Salt Lake Marina State Park in 2021.
In recent past years, the lake levels were too low for boats to launch, but thanks to the record-breaking precipitation this past winter, boats were able to return to the marina this spring.
If you're looking for something fun to do on the Great Salt Lake, visitsaltlake.com has a list of ideas.
It contributes to the perfect ski season
Utah's "greatest snow on earth" doesn't just happen by chance. The Great Salt Lake plays a part in all that fine powder on the mountainside. The Utah Department of Natural Resources says that the lake contributes between 5% to 8% of Utah's snowfall, which extends the ski season 5 to 7 weeks.
Once again, this comes with more economic benefits.
According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy report, the ski industry contributed $2.35 billion to Utah's economy in the 2021-2022 season.
Losing the lake could seriously harm your health
So far, this list has focused on the positives of preserving the Great Salt Lake. But it's important to note that losing the lake could come with serious consequences. The BYU study warns of long-term problems that will follow if the lake dries up.
"Without a coordinated rescue, we can expect widespread air and water pollution, numerous Endangered Species Act listings, and declines in agriculture, industry, and overall quality of life," the report states.
A dry lake bed could be especially dangerous for those with vulnerable health.
"Scientists warn the Great Salt Lake has high concentrations of neurotoxins and cancer-causing carcinogens — including arsenic and mercury," Kirk Siegler writes for NPR.
Should the lake dry up, those concentrations of heavy metals can be stirred up by the wind and carried through the Wasatch Front. Siegler notes that this is the same thing that happened with Owens Lake in California. When the saline lake dried up because of water diversions by the city of Los Angeles, its dust storms became "the largest single source of dust pollution in the nation."
What must be done?
Clearly, preserving the Great Salt Lake is and should be a priority for the state. Gov. Spencer Cox recently outlined three ways the state is working to do this. Improving watershed management, enhancing water conservation and optimizing agricultural tools are all on the list.
But out of all these tactics, the BYU study concludes that conservation is the only thing that can make a major difference.
Government officials can help lead the charge, but it's going to take everyone's help to make a difference.
"We are in an all-hands-on-deck emergency, and we need farmers, counties, cities, businesses, churches, universities, and other organizations to do everything in their power to reduce outdoor water use," the study authors urge.
"We believe that our community is uniquely suited to face this challenge, but only if we implement a unified and pioneering rescue. By taking a 'lake first' approach to water use, we can leave a legacy of wise stewardship for generations to come."
To learn more about statewide conservation efforts, visit conservewater.utah.gov.
7 fascinating Utah places you aren't allowed to visit
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