The Church announces continued partnership for new water delivery to Great Salt Lake

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced its involvement in a new water release aimed at supporting the Great Salt Lake. The effort will send 10,000 acre-feet of water, equal to about 3.26 billion gallons, from Utah Lake through the Jordan River into Farmington and Gilbert bays at the lake.

This initiative is a result of cooperation between the Church, the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, and several state agencies including the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. The Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust manages this partnership with oversight by the National Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy. A similar water release was organized by these groups last year.

As part of its ongoing commitment, the Church is providing a long-term lease for an additional 4,000 to 7,433 acre-feet of water annually. In 2023, it made what was described as "the largest single water donation in the history of Utah," contributing over 20,000 acre-feet per year to the lake on a perpetual basis.

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, stated: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognizes we all have a role to play in caring for our natural environment here in Utah, including the Great Salt Lake. This water lease is one of several projects underway that we hope reflects our commitment to wise stewardship.”

Drought conditions and declining lake levels have raised concern among conservationists and government agencies about the future health of the Great Salt Lake’s ecosystem. The organizations involved say this latest delivery marks progress toward their shared goals to conserve resources and improve both water levels and ecological health.

More information on conservation efforts by The Church can be found on their official channels.