What we can use from Nevada’s water conservation strategy

The Las Vegas Sun picked up UPHE and coalition partners’ lawsuit to save Great Salt Lake.

“Environmental law organization Earthjustice filed a lawsuit against the state in September on behalf of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, the American Bird Conservancy, the Center for Biological Diversity, the Sierra Club and the Utah Rivers Council. In the suit, Earthjustice argued the state violated the public trust doctrine by failing to act to protect the lake.” the Sun article writes.

The article reports on some common numbers around Great Salt Lake’s health:

The United States Geological Survey identifies 4,198 feet as the “minimum healthy level” for the lake, a threshold not consistently met since 2000.

Presently at 4,192 feet, the lake has lost 73% of its water and 60% of its surface area since 1850, as reported by a recent Brigham Young University study.

By now, many of us know the exposed lakebed poses environmental risks, releasing pollutants such as arsenic, lead, and other contaminants into the air.

The purpose of the lawsuit is to hold the state accountable to take immediate action. Potential solutions include measures to reduce urban water consumption, legal protections for the Great Salt Lake, rerouting agricultural water to the lake, and implementing efficient irrigation practices. Agriculture, consuming 80% of water in the Great Salt Lake basin, is a significant focus for conservation efforts.