Life Sciences Commons^™

Impacts Of Water Development On Great Salt Lake And The Wasatch Front, Wayne A. Wurtsbaugh, Craig Miller, Sarah E. Null, Peter Wilcock, Maura Hahnenberger, Frank Howe

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

Although droughts and floods produce short‐term fluctuations in the elevation of Great Salt Lake, water diversions since the arrival of 19th Century pioneers represent a persistent reduction in water supply to the lake, decreasing its elevation by 11 feet and exposing much of the lake bed. As Utah moves forward, we need to be aware of the impacts of lowered lake levels and make decisions that serve the interests of all Utahns. In particular, proposals to further develop the water supply of the Great Salt Lake should carefully consider potential impacts to the health of the lake and examine the …