In early July, water levels near Utah’s famous Great Salt Lake fell to their lowest level for the second time in just a year amid a severe drought. This fell below the previous October 2021 low, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Water levels are likely to continue to decline until fall or early winter, when water influx equals or exceeds the levels lost to evaporation. “This is not the kind of record we like to break,” said Joel Ferry, director of Utah Water Resources. “Urgent action is needed to help protect and conserve this vital resource. It is clear that it is more in trouble.”
The largest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere is not only very important ecologically, but also an important economic factor for Utah. According to the state government, it generates about $1.3 billion in annual revenues from sectors such as mining, fishing and tourism.
Large parts of the western United States are suffering from a prolonged drought. This leads to dramatically low water levels in rivers and major reservoirs such as Lake Mead and Lake Powell. According to climate experts, there have been periods of drought in the region that have lasted more than 20 years; but they are getting worse with global warming.
Lake levels are expected to fall further in the fall or winter, the agency said, as conditions exacerbated by the climate crisis continue to put pressure on water levels.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
