Water Cycle Management Best Practices ~ The Great Salt Lake:... - Great Salt Lake

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The Great Salt Lake: A Water Story in Peril

Follow a raindrop’s journey from the mountains to the shrinking Great Salt Lake, facing a water crisis.

Learn about the lake’s delicate ecosystem, the impact of climate change, and how we can all contribute to its revival.

Together, we can save this vital resource.

The Great Salt Lake: A Water Story

TL;DR The Great Salt Lake is facing a water crisis, but we can help! Learn how water moves in the region, the impact of climate change, and how we can all work together to save the lake.

The Life of a Water Drop

Imagine a water drop falling from the sky as rain in the mountains surrounding the Great Salt Lake. This water drop has a big journey ahead! It might soak into the ground, becoming part of a river or stream, or even become part of a snowpack high in the mountains. As the seasons change and the weather warms, this water drop will eventually flow down to the Great Salt Lake.

A Shrinking Lake

The Great Salt Lake is a vital part of our ecosystem. It provides habitat for birds, supports the local economy, and even helps to clean our air. Sadly, the lake has been shrinking for many years, leaving behind dry, dusty areas called “playa.”

What’s Happening?

Several factors are contributing to the shrinking of the Great Salt Lake. Climate change is making it hotter and drier, meaning less rain falls and more water evaporates from the lake. More water is also being used for agriculture, homes, and industries.

The Impact of Climate Change

Climate change is making the Great Salt Lake water crisis worse. Warmer temperatures mean that more snow melts earlier in the spring, leaving less water to flow into the lake during the summer. It also means that more water evaporates from the lake, further reducing its size.

Solutions for the Great Salt Lake

There are many things we can do to help the Great Salt Lake. Here are a few ideas:

Water Conservation

Saving water at home: Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, fix leaky faucets, and water your lawn less.
Supporting water-wise businesses: Look for businesses that use water-saving techniques.

Innovative Irrigation

Drip irrigation: This system delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing water waste.
Smart irrigation systems: These systems adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions and plant needs.

Policy Changes

Water-use restrictions: These policies can help ensure that we have enough water for everyone.
Financial incentives for conservation: These programs can encourage people to use less water.

Community and Stakeholder Involvement

Working together is key! Organizations like the Active Climate Rescue Initiative are leading the way in solving the Great Basin water supply shortages. They are bringing together communities, businesses, and government agencies to find solutions and implement them.

A Hopeful Future

The Great Salt Lake faces many challenges, but it is not too late to help. By working together and implementing smart solutions, we can ensure a healthy future for the lake and the communities it supports. Water conservation, innovative irrigation, and policy changes are all important parts of the solution. Let’s all do our part to save the Great Salt Lake!