Helena Joyce
The Great Salt Lake in Utah is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and one of the largest saline lakes in North America. It is a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse range of terrestrial and aquatic life, including migratory birds. However, the lake has been facing significant challenges due to declining water levels, with megadrought, overconsumption, and climate change contributing to this decline. As the water levels drop, the lakebed is exposed, and there are concerns about the potential release of toxic dust laced with heavy metals and metalloids, such as arsenic, copper, and mercury. This dust pollution poses risks to both the environment and human health, with possible links to respiratory issues, allergies, and more severe health problems. The situation at the Great Salt Lake raises questions about the future of this vital ecological habitat and the potential impacts on the surrounding communities and beyond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lake type | Saline, terminal lake |
| Lake size | 1,700 square miles, the largest saline lake in North America and the Western Hemisphere |
| Economic impact | $1 billion per year |
| Water quality | Highly saline North Arm, freshwater Farmington Bay |
| Ecological impact | Critical habitat for resident and migratory birds, unique ecosystem |
| Pollution sources | Arsenic, copper, mercury, selenium, antimony, zirconium |
| Health risks | Allergies, fungal infections, asthma, diarrhea, cancer, irritation of eyes, nose, and throat, lung problems, emphysema, chronic bronchitis |
| Dust storm frequency | Increasing, resembling wildfire smoke |
| Water loss | 73% of water lost since 1850, 1.2 million acre-feet lost per year since 2020 |
| Water loss causes | Excessive water use, climate change, drought, agriculture, water transport loss, mineral extraction, urban water demand |
| Solutions | Refill the lake, reduce water use in the watershed |
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What You'll Learn
The Great Salt Lake's water is evaporating
The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and one of a handful of terminal lakes in the world. It is fed by rain, snow, and runoff, but with no rivers to take water to the ocean, salt and minerals build up over time. This unique ecosystem supports a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic life, including about 7.5 million migratory birds. The lake also provides enormous economic benefits to the state, contributing over $1 billion a year to the economy from lake-based industrial and recreational activities.
However, the Great Salt Lake is in danger of disappearing. The lake's water level is now 19 feet below its average, and it has lost 73% of its water and 60% of its surface area since 1850. In 2021, the lake hit a record low level, and it dropped by 1.2 million acre-feet in 2022. If the current water loss trends continue, the lake is on track to collapse within five years, according to a report by 32 ecologists and conservationists. The primary driver of this decline is excessive water use, with agriculture accounting for about 75% of the watershed's demand. Climate change and drought have also contributed to the lake's shrinkage.
As the water evaporates and the lakebed is exposed, toxic dust mixed with metals and metalloids like arsenic, copper, mercury, and selenium becomes a problem. This dust can aggravate the bowels and trigger autoimmune diseases, and it has been linked to allergies, fungal infections, asthma, diarrhea, and cancer. The dust also causes visibility issues that put vehicle drivers and airplane passengers at risk.
The easiest solution to mitigate the dust problem is to refill the lake, but this could take decades. In the meantime, health professionals recommend that people in Utah stay indoors during dust storms and frequently change the filters on their heating and cooling systems.
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The lakebed contains toxic dust
The Great Salt Lake in Utah is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and is home to a unique ecosystem. However, the lake has been shrinking at an alarming rate, with water levels dropping to historic lows in recent years. This has exposed large areas of lakebed, approximately 800 square miles, which is equivalent to the entire surface area of Maui.
The potential health impacts of the toxic lakebed dust are not fully understood, and more research is needed. However, similar cases, such as Owens Lake in California, have provided some insights. Owens Lake, a smaller terminal lake, dried up after its tributary water was diverted, becoming a major source of dust pollution. Public health impacts documented anecdotally included headaches, eye irritation, sinus problems, wheezing, and more severe respiratory issues.
The easiest solution to mitigate the toxic dust issue at the Great Salt Lake is to refill the lake, but this is a daunting task due to the significant water volume required and the upstream water diversions. In the meantime, health professionals advise Utah residents to stay indoors during dust storms and frequently change filters on heating and cooling systems to protect themselves from particulate matter.
The potential collapse of the Great Salt Lake and the exposure of toxic lakebed dust highlight the urgent need for water conservation and the protection of this unique ecosystem. With the lake's economic, ecological, and migratory bird values, the consequences of its disappearance would be far-reaching and devastating.
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The lake's unique ecosystem is at risk
The Great Salt Lake in Utah is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and one of a handful of terminal lakes in the world. It is fed by rain, snow and runoff but has no rivers to take water to the ocean, so salt and minerals build up over time. This unique ecosystem supports a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic life, including 10 million migratory birds.
However, the Great Salt Lake is in decline. Its water level is now 19 feet below average, and it has lost 73% of its water and 60% of its surface area since 1850. The primary driver of this decline is excessive water use, with agriculture accounting for about 75% of the watershed's demand. Climate change, which has worsened the West's drought, is a secondary contributor.
As the lake dries up, there is a risk of exposure to toxic dust laced with heavy metals like arsenic, copper, mercury, and selenium. This dust can cause respiratory issues and other health problems for the more than 2 million people living in Salt Lake City and along the Wasatch Front. The potential health impact of this dust is not yet fully understood, and more research is needed.
The easiest solution to mitigate the dust problem is to refill the lake, but this is a daunting task due to the significant water volume required and the upstream water diversions that take water away from the lake. Without intervention, the Great Salt Lake is at risk of becoming a toxic dustbowl, which would be an ecological and human health disaster.
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The lake provides economic benefits
The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere and the eighth-largest terminal lake globally. The lake provides a unique ecosystem and supports a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic life. It also serves as a critical habitat for birds, with over 7.5 million birds stopping at the lake during their migration or making it their home.
The Great Salt Lake provides significant economic benefits to the state of Utah, contributing over $1 billion annually to the economy through various lake-based industries and recreational activities. The lake's unique qualities and resources have a substantial impact on the local economy and offer opportunities for development and ecological preservation.
One of the primary economic benefits of the lake is the mineral extraction industry. Minerals extracted from the lake include sodium chloride (common salt), potassium sulfate, and magnesium-chloride brine. These minerals are used for various purposes, such as water softeners, fertilizer production, and the production of magnesium metal. The mineral-extraction companies operating on the lake pay royalties on their products to the State of Utah, generating revenue for the state.
The lake is also crucial for the brine shrimp industry. Brine shrimp are harvested from the lake and have various uses, including as food for livestock and in scientific research. Changes in the lake's salinity levels can significantly impact the brine shrimp population, affecting the industry's economic output.
Additionally, the Great Salt Lake contributes to agricultural productivity in the region. Agriculture has been a dominant land use in the Salt Lake Valley, and the lake's presence influences the local climate, increasing precipitation through the "lake effect." This, in turn, benefits agricultural practices and the economy associated with agricultural production.
The lake also attracts tourists and visitors, providing economic stability to the area. Visitor spending on food, gas, lodging, and other recreational activities generates significant revenue for local businesses and the state through sales tax. The unique landscape and ecological diversity of the lake draw visitors seeking recreational opportunities and a connection to the natural environment.
In conclusion, the Great Salt Lake plays a vital role in Utah's economy, supporting various industries and creating ecological value. The lake's mineral resources, brine shrimp industry, agricultural contributions, and tourism attractions all contribute to its economic significance. However, maintaining the ecological balance and sustainability of the lake is essential to ensure the long-term viability of these economic benefits.
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The lake's water loss is caused by human activity
The Great Salt Lake is the largest saline lake in North America and the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. It is fed by rain, snow and runoff, with no rivers to take water to the ocean, and supports a unique ecosystem. The lake is in danger of drying up due to a combination of human activity and climate change, with the former being the primary driver of its decline.
Human activity has had a significant impact on the lake's water loss. Since the 1800s, people have been affecting the lake's water levels, but it was in the 20th century, with the construction of dams, canals and pipelines, that humans became the dominant force controlling the lake. In recent decades, agriculture has accounted for about 75% of the watershed's demand, followed by water lost in transport, used in mineral extraction, and piped to cities and industry. In 2017, it was reported that people living in the area diverted 3.3 trillion liters of water annually from the streams feeding into the lake. This excessive water use has led to a steady decline in the lake's water levels, with the lake now 19 feet below its average and having lost 73% of its water since 1850.
The consequences of the lake's water loss are severe. As the water evaporates without replenishment, the yacht basin dries up, predators can walk to pelican nests, and the bottom of the food chain is collapsing. The lake's shrinking has also exposed approximately 800 square miles of lakebed, equivalent to the entire surface area of Maui. This exposed lakebed contains toxic dust mixed with metals and metalloids like arsenic, copper, and mercury, which can be blown by the wind into nearby communities, causing potential health risks for residents.
The potential health risks of the toxic dust from the drying lakebed are significant. Globally, research has linked dust pollution from desiccated lakes to various health issues, including allergies, fungal infections, asthma, diarrhoea, and cancer. The Great Salt Lake's dust has already caused respiratory issues for residents, with increased rates of asthma and reports of salt filling their throat, mouth, and nose. As the lake continues to shrink, the risk of exposure to toxic dust will only increase, potentially affecting millions of people.
To address the lake's water loss and mitigate the risks associated with toxic dust exposure, urgent action is needed. Refilling the lake has been suggested as a solution, but it is a daunting task due to the significant water volume required and the upstream water diversions that take water away from it. Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize the importance of clean air and water for human health and to prioritize the protection of this unique and ecologically significant lake.
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Frequently asked questions
The Great Salt Lake is at risk of pollution due to declining water levels. Water loss has exposed lakebed soil, which contains toxic substances such as arsenic, copper, mercury, and selenium. These toxins can be carried by dust storms, posing health risks to nearby residents.
The pollution from the Great Salt Lake can cause respiratory issues such as asthma, sinus problems, and lung irritation. It may also contribute to allergies, fungal infections, diarrhea, and potentially more severe conditions such as cancer.
The primary cause of pollution in the Great Salt Lake is excessive water use, driven mainly by agriculture and other human activities. Climate change and drought conditions have also contributed to the lake's decline.
Efforts are being made to manage and protect the Great Salt Lake. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has implemented the Great Salt Lake Strategy, which aims to ensure balanced decision-making regarding the lake's health. Refilling the lake is considered the most effective solution, but it is a challenging and lengthy process.
