The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Oct. 29, 2026, that it is implementing measures to preserve the Great Salt Lake, including the donation of nearly 30,000 acre-feet of water. The initiative aims to address regional drought concerns through water-wise conservation retrofits and the use of smart irrigation controls.
Measures to Preserve the Great Salt Lake
According to an official statement released by the Church on Oct. 29, 2026, the organization is contributing nearly 30,000 acre-feet of water to help preserve Utah's Great Salt Lake. This effort is part of a broader response to regional drought conditions affecting the area.
In addition to the water donation, the Church is utilizing smart irrigation controls as part of its conservation strategy. The organization also announced it is implementing water-wise conservation retrofits to further support the preservation of the lake.
Official Communication Channels
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains an official website for the news media, public, and opinion leaders. According to the organization's About Us page, the site serves as a hub for news releases, background material, multimedia, and official statements.
This platform provides commentary and other elements intended for use by bloggers and the news media to ensure access to official Church information.
Recent Church Statements
In recent months, the Church has issued several official statements regarding global events and humanitarian concerns. On Oct. 29, 2026, the Church addressed the regional drought and the Great Salt Lake, marking one of its most recent major announcements.
Other recent official communications from the Church include a statement on Oct. 14, 2026, regarding the health of Pope Leo XIV, in which the First Presidency shared a message of healing and comfort. On Aug. 28, 2026, the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined the people of Norway in mourning the passing of His Majesty King Harald V.
Responses to Global Disasters
The Church has also responded to natural disasters through its various presidencies. On Aug. 12, 2026, the South America Northwest Area Presidency issued a statement following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that hit Colombia on Aug. 10, 2026.
Similarly, the Caribbean Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement following an earthquake that struck Venezuela, as reported in a June 25, 2026, official statement.
Social and Religious Statements
The Church has also addressed social and religious matters through official channels. On March 12, 2026, the United States Northeast Area Presidency released a statement regarding violence at a synagogue in Michigan.
Furthermore, on Feb. 28, 2026, the Church issued a statement regarding the evolving situation in Iran, inviting people everywhere to join in prayer for the well-being of the region and its people.
Missionary and Historical Messages
The Church has also implemented significant policy changes regarding mission service. On Nov. 21, 2025, the First Presidency announced that, effective immediately, young women who choose to serve a full-time mission may begin their service at age 18, following graduation from high school or its equivalent.
In other historical communications, the Church released its 2025 First Presidency Christmas Message on Nov. 19, 2025, and President Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared a message on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025.
Media and Public Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to use its official newsroom to provide updates to the public and media. This includes providing background material and multimedia elements alongside its official statements and news releases.
