UTAH'S DROUGHT

Utah’s Great Salt Lake Nears Record Low Water Level 

Jul 1, 2021, 5:55 PM | Updated: 7:19 pm

GREAT SALT LAKE STATE PARK, Utah – For a brief time Wednesday, the water at the Great Salt Lake dipped below a record low. It was not an official reading because of how the measurements are made, but managers said the official record low is inevitable. 

There are many things to see when visitors come to Great Salt Lake State Park. However, the main attraction is the lake itself with all that water stretching to the horizon. Only, lately, there’s less of it to see. 

“We are expecting to hit its lowest level in the coming days,” said Candice Hasenyager. 

She is Utah’s Deputy Director of Water Resources. She’s worried about the Great Salt Lake because the historic low elevation is expected to happen soon.  

“We are concerned about the dropping lake elevations and the impacts it is going to have on the economy, wildlife, industry, tourism with the ski industry,” she said.  

There’s also a concern with air quality.  

“As the Great Salt Lake shrinks, the airborne dust from the lakebed comes up into our air column and we breathe it into our lungs,” said Zachary Frankel. “That hurts the health of every man, woman, and child on the Wasatch Front.”  

Frankel is the Executive Director of the Utah Rivers Council.  

The advocacy group has spent years asking state leaders to do everything they can to keep the Great Salt Lake from getting this low. 

“And state policy leaders have ignored the concerns of health experts and conservation-minded people for decades,” said Frankel. 

 However, Hasenyager said there is work being done on the legislative level to address lake levels. It just takes collaboration among all those who use the water that flows into the Great Salt Lake.  

The Great Salt Lake Advisory Council said, in a statement, “Ensuring a healthy Great Salt Lake will require collaboration, innovation, and changes in technology and policy. The Council is committed to working with the Governor’s Office, the Department of Natural Resources, State Legislature, and Great Salt Lake watershed water users to maintain a healthy lake system. When we take care of the lake, we help our economy, our environment, our wildlife, and our future.”  

Part of the challenge is more people are moving to the Wasatch Front using that water.  

“I think it’s important to note we set our low in 1963 previously and then 20 years later, we hit our record high,” said Hasenyager. “So, we recognize that the Great Salt Lake varies in elevation over the years, but the decline is definitely a concern to us.”  

In a statement, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said the Great Salt Lake’s water levels are a reminder of the extreme drought.  

Cox wrote, “As the fastest-growing state in the nation, there is a growing demand for water. Striking a balance between providing that water and protecting natural resources like the Great Salt Lake is important. The Great Salt Lake contributes $1.3 billion annually to Utah’s economy. It’s also a critical stop for 10 million migrating birds that rest and refuel here. As a state and as policy leaders, it’s necessary to continue our work together to find solutions that balance Utah’s growth and water needs with the importance of maintaining a healthy and sustainable Great Salt Lake.” 

KSL 5 TV Live

Utah's Drought

The Glen Canyon Dam holds back the waters of Lake Powell in Page, Arizona, on July 18, 2022. Lake P...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Here’s how much Lake Powell is expected to rise this year

Lake Powell is expected to receive a decent bump in the coming months, but experts say it still has a "long way to go" after years of drought.

8 days ago

Jordanelle Reservoir. 12/19/2033 (Michael Jefferson)...

Eliza Pace

Utah’s water conditions, including snowpack, look ‘optimistic,’ experts say

Storms from January have increased snowpack levels and Utah's water supply shows signs of "resilience and abundance."

1 month ago

Utah Lake water release...

Alex Cabrero

Utah Lake release sends 300 million gallons of water a day into the Great Salt Lake

The Utah Lake control gates in Saratoga Springs opened Thursday morning to release water into the Great Salt Lake.

2 months ago

The snow northern Utah finally got the past few weeks put us in a comfortable spot, according to th...

Alex Cabrero

Snowpack totals are in a ‘comfortable spot’ for northern Utah

Northern Utah's snowpack is in a good spot, but state water officials are worried about southern part of the state.

2 months ago

Brock Peery and his daughter Berkley, 6, walk back to their car during a snowstorm in Salt Lake Cit...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Utah research may change everything we know about snowfall

A new study led by University of Utah researchers offers new insight into how and why snowflakes fall the way they do.

3 months ago

During a possible drought in Southwest Utah, Washington County Water Conservatory said its infrastr...

Alex Cabrero

Washington County: Infrastructure will remedy possible drought in southwest Utah

During a possible drought in southwest Utah, Washington County Water Conservatory said its infrastructure ensures drinking water is safe, but conservation should still always be part of life in the desert.

3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah’s Great Salt Lake Nears Record Low Water Level