Utah is an other-worldly place. Our snow-covered mountains, our lush rolling hills, and our stunning red rocks are only some of the plethora of natural phenomena that can be found in Utah. In Park City, we are blessed with having the mountains on our doorstep, and with the recreation and scenery that that brings. However, just next door, the Great Salt Lake is drying up, and if current progress occurs, it will mean terrible consequences for all of us. The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, but it has already shrunk to two-thirds of its original size. Some of the consequences can already be seen; with the water content decreasing, the lake’s salt percentage has increased, destabilizing the natural balance that provides the conditions in which algae and brine shrimp live. If this continues there will be no more food supply for the migratory birds in the area, causing us to see more and more wildlife decline.
The most immediate threat is that if the Great Salt Lake is to dry up completely, the lakebed will be exposed. The lakebed contains arsenic and other heavy metals, either naturally occurring or from mining efforts in the surrounding area. Experts have warned that wind can carry these toxic particles into Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas. These toxic dust clouds would pollute the air we breathe and cause a massive health concern. The Wasatch Front has grown exponentially in the past few years and is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. This means that more water is needed for consumption and other utilities, as well as Utah’s booming agricultural businesses, all resulting in less overall water flowing from rivers into the Great Salt Lake. Not only does population growth increase the threats, but so does climate change. Rising temperatures mean more water is evaporating and less water is flowing down to the Great Salt Lake. Additionally, without water, snowfall will also decrease rapidly in the mountains, taking away one of our favorite activities: skiing.
The problem is undeniable; the Great Salt Lake is drying up and unless Utahns try to conserve it, we will face a terrifying public health and resource disaster. Environmental activists have made efforts to raise more attention to the problem and ignite action. On September 6th, 2023, a lawsuit was filed against the state of Utah, demanding that they act. However, there is much more Utahns can do to save our home. Utah needs to greatly lower its water usage to make an impact. History has shown that when humans unite to achieve a common goal, we can create positive change and address even the most challenging obstacles.
By Grayson Rae, Sophomore at Park City High School
