The Great Salt and Lake Basin Integrated Plan (GSLBIP) is working toward a long-term goal of ensuring a resilient water supply for the Great Salt Lake and all water uses throughout the watershed. This includes supporting both human needs and the environment.
Strategic goals of the plan
The plan serves as a long-term strategic tool to assist in realizing the Governor’s commitment to the Great Salt Lake 2034 Charter.
Progress from Stage One to Two
The project is being completed in stages. Stage One, which was completed in winter 2024, focused on creating a Work Plan to lay the groundwork for long-term solutions.
Stage Two is currently underway and is expected to conclude in late 2027. This stage involves four phases and focuses on combining and enhancing existing water resource management tools from across the basin into one comprehensive tool. This integrated tool will help improve the understanding of current supply and demand.
Analyzing costs and benefits
The GSLBIP will include a strategy trade-off analysis within each river basin to assess the costs and benefits of meeting various water resource goals. This process aims to create a more holistic approach to decision-making and planning for the entire basin.
Context of declining water levels
The initiative follows declining water levels in the Great Salt Lake, which pose consequences for the region's ecology, environment, and economy. Following the passage of HB 429 during the 2022 Utah legislative session, the Division of Water Resources was directed to develop the Great Salt Lake Watershed Integrated Water Assessment.
Scope of future assessments
The plan will involve assessing surface and groundwater supply, forecasting future demands, and investigating the benefits of watershed restoration and forest management. Additionally, the project seeks to identify best management practices to provide a reliable water supply while avoiding the deterioration of industry, agriculture, and ecosystems.
Seeking stakeholder input and updates
During the current stage, officials are seeking input from all stakeholders to identify shared priorities. This input will help generate metrics and strategies for upcoming scenario building workshops.
Individuals interested in receiving updates for the GSLBIP can subscribe by sending an email with the subject line Subscribe to GSL
BasinPlanning@utah.gov.
