Study shows Great Salt Lake has lost vast amounts of water due to farming, needing a 35% cut in human water use.

A new study in Environmental Challenges finds the Great Salt Lake has lost over 15 billion cubic yards of water over 30 years, mainly due to agricultural water diversions, mostly for alfalfa and hay. To stabilize the lake, researchers propose reducing human water consumption by 35% in the watershed, which includes cutting back on irrigated crops and compensating affected farmers. The lake, crucial for ecology and economy, is shrinking at an alarming rate, threatening habitats and economic activities.

January 07, 2025
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