BREAKING Thousands of acres of water rights donated to Great Salt Lake by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah's Department of Natural Resources confirmed to FOX 13 News the faith group donated 5,700 water shares or about 20,000 acre feet in permanent water rights to the lake. It's the equivalent size of Little Dell Reservoir and it will be solely for the lake and in perpetuity, the agency said. The water was previously used for agriculture by the Church.
The Great Salt Lake last year hit its lowest point in recorded history as a result of water diversion, drought and a changing climate. It presents an existential threat to northern Utah, with toxic dust storms, reduced snowpack and harms to public health and wildlife. Political leaders in the state have reacted with alarm, passing water conservation bills and spending nearly $1 billion over the past two years.
In a statement to FOX 13 News, House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, who has personally championed bills to save the Great Salt Lake, said he was thrilled with the announcement.
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