Great Salt Lake faces severe water loss as agriculture drives depletion

The Great Salt Lake is shrinking rapidly, with new research showing that agriculture is a major cause. A study found that nearly two-thirds of the lake's water loss is due to human use of river water, primarily for livestock feed. Agricultural practices account for 71% of this water depletion, with most used to grow crops for nearly one million cattle. The researchers suggest reducing river water consumption by 35% to help refill the lake, focusing on cutting alfalfa and grass hay production. The lake's water levels have been declining since the mid-19th century, with record lows reached in recent years. The study highlights the need for specific reductions in agricultural water use to address the lake's ongoing depletion.