August 02, 2021 near Magna, Utah
The latest report raised concerns over the alarmingly and historic low-level water in the Great Salt Lake in Utah, urging lawmakers for urgent emergency measures that could help save the lake from megadrought.
The Great Salt Lake has been a home for marine ecosystems and benefits nearby communities.
In addition, the water from the lake is essential for agricultural supply.
Prolonged drought
However, recent reports showed that Great Salt Lake suffered from prolonged megadrought with little to no rain.
The lakebeds can be seen from afar, showing the noticeable drought.
As a result, the historically low-water levels have been the primary concern of many scientists and conservationists.
In the latest article published in CNN, the report emphasized that the Great Salt Lake needs urgent measures to save it from disappearance. Without any immediate plan, the lake could disappear in five years.
The report added that the lakebeds are being exposed due to megadrought, adding health concerns among nearby communities.
CNN explained that the dust could harm health, impacting and causing respiratory risks.
Being vital to communities and the economy, the report showed that the alarming low-water level could affect the marine ecosystem, health, and the economy dependent on the lake.
The long-term impact could have a widespread effect on the economy, noting that the Great Salt Lake has been a key for about $1.3 billion annually.
The loss from the river also shows the same number.
Reports explained that the lake lost 73% of its water due to worsening climate change.
The demand for more water can be associated with increasing temperatures or warming conditions.
In addition, the excessive water usage of the Great Salt Lake contributes to the problem.
Meanwhile, climate change is also a critical factor in the Great Salt Lake decline due to prolonged drought in the southwestern United States.
Also Read: Scientists Emphasize Protecting and Studying Forests to Fight Climate Change
Urgent measures
According to the report published in Brigham Young University's College of Life Science, the report explained that the environment and health in Utah could be impacted without immediate actions to increase water flow.
The Great Salt Lake has been key to biodiversity.
In addition, it helps to have better air quality and address water pollution. If the lake disappears, it will impact wildlife in the area. Especially it is considered a home for about 10 million migratory birds.
Urgent measures and coordination with lawmakers are crucial to save the Great Salt Lake.
Moreover, according to the report, it is essential to increase trust and coordination among farmers, communities and policymakers.
Furthermore, scientists urged the importance of million acre-feet per year helping to save and reverse the lake's decline.
The report also explained the importance of emergency conservation measures in mitigating the potential disappearance of the lake.
Meanwhile, the The Guardian reported that saving water could avert the potential collapse of the lake.
Water conservation and cost-effective use of water are essential. Therefore, the cooperation of all stakeholders is key to success in the initiative to better the lake's situation.
Related Article: Utah's Great Salt Lake Reaches at Historic Low-Level Due to Megadrought; Agricultural Water Supply in Surrounding Communities Could Suffer
For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.