Energy and Environment Blog

The Great Salt Lake is drying up at a shocking rate. This gigantic (and very shallow) lake is 5x saltier than the ocean, giving it its unique characteristics. Salt lakes are terminal lakes (no outlet); as the lake water evaporates, it leaves behind salts, heavy metals, and other residue, thus increasing the salinity of water over time.

The Great Salt Lake plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of the region; it helps prevent catastrophic dust storms and increases precipitation, thereby contributing to a nice snowfall at some of the most popular ski resort destinations (through the so-called “lake-effect snow”). Moreover, the lake is a passage for over 10 million migratory birds every year. Last but not least, there is more than a billion dollars of revenue associated with the Great Salt Lake, from magnesium to brine shrimp harvesting.

What is causing the historically low water levels?

1. Climate change: Unprecedented high temperatures leading to drought; there is less runoff water from snow on the mountains as the snow continues to evaporate at a much faster rate.

2. Diversion and overuse: 70% of the Great Lake water is diverted for agricultural uses while 30% is diverted for city water and for industrial uses. The decrease in water levels is being exacerbated by a rapid population increase in Salt Lake City.

What are the catastrophic impacts of the Great Salt Lake drying up?

The lakebed contains various types of heavy metals such as arsenic, sulfur, mercury, etc. On top of being known as carcinogens, these toxic metals can lead to serious breathing problems in those with respiratory diseases. As the lake level goes further down, these heavy metals could quickly be exposed and carried away through wind gusts. Needless to say, the significant economic loss ranges from water scarcity to magnesium recovery and to the infamous ski resorts.

Efforts to avert this potential disaster could have associated costs in the billions of dollars, said U.S. senator Mitt Romney.