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In November of 2022, the Great Salt Lake fell to a new record low water level not seen in all the years since elevation levels were first recorded from when pioneers settled the valley in 1847. As water levels dropped, salinity spiked, threatening an ecosystem that supports over 10 million migratory birds and a brine shrimp industry that helps feed tens of millions of people around the world. According to the Act, the strategic plan must include the following elements: (1) Coordination of efforts related to the Great Salt Lake; (2) A sustainable water supply for the Great Salt Lake, while balancing competing needs; (3) Human health and quality of life; (4) A healthy ecosystem; Economic development; (5) Water conservation, including municipal and industrial uses and agricultural uses;; (6) Water and land use planning; (7) Regional water sharing; and (8) Other provisions that the Commissioner determines would be for the benefit of the Great Salt Lake. This document represents an initial strategy to more effectively protect the Great Salt Lake, while balancing the other ecological, economic, and societal interests surrounding the lake. This is no small task, particularly in light of continued economic growth, sustained drought, and higher temperatures, which threaten to increase demand and shrink available water supplies even further.

In November of 2022, the Great Salt Lake fell to a new record low water level not seen in all the years since elevation levels were first recorded from when pioneers settled the valley in 1847. As water levels dropped, salinity spiked, threatening an ecosystem that supports over 10 million migratory birds and a brine shrimp industry that helps feed tens of millions of people around the world. According to the Act, the strategic plan must include the following elements: (1) Coordination of efforts related to the Great Salt Lake; (2) A sustainable water supply for the Great Salt Lake, while balancing competing needs; (3) Human health and quality of life; (4) A healthy ecosystem; Economic development; (5) Water conservation, including municipal and industrial uses and agricultural uses;; (6) Water and land use planning; (7) Regional water sharing; and (8) Other provisions that the Commissioner determines would be for the benefit of the Great Salt Lake. This document represents an initial strategy to more effectively protect the Great Salt Lake, while balancing the other ecological, economic, and societal interests surrounding the lake. This is no small task, particularly in light of continued economic growth, sustained drought, and higher temperatures, which threaten to increase demand and shrink available water supplies even further.

Introducing a limited PILOT program could yield millions of dollars annually to benefit Great Salt Lake. Many private organizations hold over $9 billion in untaxed property in the Great Salt Lake Basin. A PILOT program could yield significant revenue and ensure that all property types contribute to Utah’s water future. The Great Salt Lake Strike Team analyzed ten policy options and created summaries for each. The strike team does not endorse individual policies but rather evaluated the most-discussed options to address Great Salt Lake. Policy summaries fall into four categories: (1) Water Shepherding, (2) Economic Incentives, (3) Agriculture Optimization, and (4) Engineered Options.

Optimizing water pricing could conserve significant amounts of water and allow for water-neutral municipal and industrial (M&I) growth. The Great Salt Lake Strike Team analyzed ten policy options and created summaries for each. The strike team does not endorse individual policies but rather evaluated the most-discussed options to address Great Salt Lake. Policy summaries fall into four categories: (1) Water Shepherding, (2) Economic Incentives, (3) Agriculture Optimization, and (4) Engineered Options.

Water shepherding ensures that water conserved within the Great Salt Lake Basin flows to Great Salt Lake. Measurement infrastructure and distribution accounting models are needed to ensure that water that becomes available through the water rights change application process flows to the lake without being depleted before it gets there. The Great Salt Lake Strike Team analyzed ten policy options and created summaries for each. The strike team does not endorse individual policies but rather evaluated the most-discussed options to address Great Salt Lake. Policy summaries fall into four categories: (1) Water Shepherding, (2) Economic Incentives, (3) Agriculture Optimization, and (4) Engineered Options.

In 2023, Great Salt Lake rose from the record-low elevation reached in 2022, aided by record-high winter snowfall and the adaptive management berm. Economic activity, public health, and the lake's ecosystems continue to be adversely impacted by low water levels. This summary synthesizes essential data and insights so decision-makers have the information they need to improve water management, increase water deliveries to the lake, mitigate adverse impacts, and recover the lake to a healthy range.

Great Salt Lake is facing unprecedented danger. Without a dramatic increase in water flow to the lake in 2023 and 2024, its disappearance could cause immense damage to Utah’s public health, environment, and economy. This briefing provides background and recommends emergency measures. The choices we make over the next few months will affect our state and ecosystems throughout the West for decades to come.