Billions of gallons of water released into the Great Salt Lake

• Utah Lake is releasing 23 billion gallons of water.
• Flood mitigation drives early-season outflow.
• Ongoing study aims to enhance Utah Lake’s health.

February 26, 2025 — Yesterday, Utah Public Radio reported that Utah Lake is sending nearly 23 billion gallons of water (about 70,632 acre-feet) to the Great Salt Lake. This release, facilitated by the Central Utah Water Conservancy District in coordination with the Utah Lake Water Users Association and the state engineer, delivers around 500 million gallons per day through the Jordan River. This is the third release in the last decade and is intended to keep water levels stable before snowmelt raises the risk of flooding along the Jordan River or within Utah Lake itself.

Legislative Background.

In 2024, a bill sponsored by Senator Curtis Bramble mandated a wide-ranging study of Utah Lake. The legislation outlined coordination with the state engineer to explore potential water delivery from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake. This exploration is part of a larger strategy to mitigate record-low water levels in the Great Salt Lake.

Flood Prevention and Future Outlook.

Early-season water releases aim to alleviate pressure on Utah Lake’s levels, thereby reducing the likelihood of flooding. Officials note that removing water during this time can help manage reservoir and river capacity once snowpack begins to melt. Although the study mandated by the bill remains ongoing, its findings could shape future strategies for balancing the water needs of Utah Lake, the Jordan River, and the Great Salt Lake.

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Image:

Utah Lake and the Lake Mountains from Jordan River Parkway Trail. May, 2024 by Chris Light.  Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.