Gov. Cox issues proclamation cutting off some water diversions to help the Great Salt Lake
The proclamation blocks anyone from diverting un-allocated water, ensuring more water can get into the Great Salt Lake. It does continue to allow existing water rights to be used.
It is unclear exactly how much water this means gets into the lake, but Utah State Engineer Teresa Wilhelmsen told FOX 13 News on Thursday there are at least two million acre feet that would continue to flow as a result of the governor's directive. She said she believed the proclamation would help get more water into the lake.
"Saving the Great Salt Lake and protecting our available water sources is no small task and will require significant efforts from all Utahns – government, organizations, businesses, and individuals," Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, said in a statement."Today’s announcement by Gov. Cox is a move in the right direction.
The governor's proclamation orders Wilhelmsen to prepare a report to the Utah State Legislature by Nov. 1, 2023 over whether the directive should continue or be retired after a year. "Following a lengthy and thorough conversation, we fully support today’s announcement from Cov. Cox to implement a moratorium on groundwater development in the Great Salt Lake Basin. We believe the moratorium is an important step in protecting the Great Salt Lake and securing Utah’s water supply now and in the future. As a commission, we will continue to look at innovative and data-driven ways to effectively manage our state’s water resources," they said.
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