On July 3, the level of Great Salt Lake dropped below the October 2021 historic low elevation

Image showing different Great Salt Lake elevations throughout the years.
Image showing different Great Salt Lake elevations throughout the years.

On July 3, the level of Great Salt Lake dropped below the October 2021 historic low elevation

Published 07-07-22

This average daily surface water elevation, 4,190.1 feet, was measured at USGS station 10010000, located on the southern end of the lake and is associated with a data record dating back to 1847.  

“Lake level data recorded at this gage has proven invaluable for resource managers and researchers working on Great Salt Lake during this dynamic time,” said USGS Utah Water Science Center data chief Ryan Rowland.  

Based on historic data, lake levels will likely continue to decrease until fall or early winter when the amount of incoming water to the lake equals or exceeds evaporative losses.

“This is not the type of record we like to break,” Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Joel Ferry said. “Urgent action is needed to help protect and preserve this critical resource. It’s clear the lake is in trouble. We recognize more action and resources are needed, and we are actively working with the many stakeholders who value the lake.”

Current drought conditions, water levels, weather forecasts, flood forecasts, and stream discharge, including rivers that flow into Great Salt Lake, are available via the USGS National Water Dashboard on your computer, smartphone or other mobile device. This tool provides critical information to decision-makers, emergency managers and the public during flood and drought events, informing decisions that can help protect lives and property.  

# # # 

Rockport Reservoir in the morning as the sun rises with heavy cloud coverage
Published September 17, 2026

SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 17, 2026) – As autumn approaches and nighttime temperatures cool down, the Utah Division of Water Resources reminds Utahns to adjust their irrigation habits and prepare for the upcoming water year. “With shorter days and cooler evening temperatures, landscape water requirements decrease significantly,” Joel Williams, director at the Division of Water …

Read Full Article
collage of three older toilets
Published August 28, 2026

After helping thousands of Utah homeowners upgrade to water-efficient toilets over the past several years, the Utah Water Savers Toilet Replacement Program will be coming to a close. Since launching in 2019, the program has helped more than 4,500 Utah households replace nearly 6,000 older, high-water-use toilets with new EPA WaterSense® labeled models, saving millions …

Read Full Article
East Canyon Reservoir with receding water showing plenty of beach space
Published August 27, 2026

SALT LAKE CITY (August 27, 2026) – While recent monsoon rains have reduced demand on local supply and storage in some areas, it will not be enough to pull Utah out of the drought. Reservoirs and lakes will continue to decline until October, when irrigation season ends. 

Read Full Article