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Study urges cutting irrigation to preserve Great Salt Lake's future

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2025-01-07 16:30:03

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The Great Salt Lake has lost more than 15 billion cubic yards of water over the past three decades, is getting shallower at the rate of 4 inches a year, and an analysis of its water budget suggests reducing irrigation is necessary for saving it.

The study published in Environmental Challenges shows that 62% of the river water bound for the lake is diverted for human uses, with agricultural activities responsible for nearly three-quarters of that percentage.

"The research highlights the alarming role of water consumption for feeding livestock in driving the lake's rapid depletion," said co-author William Ripple, distinguished professor of ecology at Oregon State University, who notes that 80% of agricultural water use is for irrigating alfalfa and hay crops.

To stabilize the lake and begin refilling it, the authors propose cutting human water consumption in the Great Salt Lake watershed by 35%, including a reduction in irrigated alfalfa production, a fallowing of much of the region's irrigated grass hay fields and compensation for farmers and ranchers who lose income.