Study Finds Water Conservation Key to Restoring Great Salt Lake

Researchers propose reducing agricultural irrigation by 35% to address the lake's decades-long water loss and ecological threats.

The Great Salt Lake has lost over 15 billion cubic yards of water in 30 years, shrinking at a rate of 4 inches annually, largely due to human water use and climate change.
Agriculture accounts for nearly three-quarters of water diverted from the lake's watershed, with 80% of agricultural water used to irrigate alfalfa and hay for livestock feed.
Proposed measures include reducing irrigation of water-intensive crops, fallowing hay fields, and offering financial compensation to farmers and ranchers for lost income.
The lake's decline threatens biodiversity, including habitats for 10 million migratory birds, and poses health risks from toxic dust released from the exposed lakebed.
Researchers estimate conservation efforts would cost Utah residents between $29 and $124 annually, with potential to restore the lake to an ecologically healthy level within a decade.