TAKEAWAY
Survey research shows that Utahns care about the Great Salt Lake and support many strategies to deliver additional water to the lake.
It’s important to know the public’s support for various efforts.
To move forward on measures to bring more water to Great Salt Lake, it’s important to know the public’s willingness to provide water for the lake ecosystem and its supportfor various efforts. Researchers at Utah State University have administered a statewide survey to help public officials better understand Utahns’ opinions on the future of Great Salt Lake.
The survey used a random sample of 12,000 residential locations, proportionate to populations in the Bear River, Weber River, Jordan River, and Utah Lake basins. These basins contribute most of the inflow to Great Salt Lake. Additional surveys were given to 3,000 Utahns statewide, and another panel was open to anyone who wanted to participate. The survey asked questions related to:
- People’s experiences and familiarity with Great Salt Lake.
- Meanings, values, and uses of Great Salt Lake that are most important to people.
- Concerns over various circumstances concerning Great Salt Lake.
- Opinions on individual, community, and state strategies for securing water for Great Salt Lake.
- Visions on the future of Great Salt Lake.
Early results of the survey included in Table 5B.1 indicate strategies that Utahns would support to bring more water to the lake.
Table 5B.1 Strategies supported by survey participants (preliminary)
INDIVIDUAL STRATEGIES
Respondents slightly willing to:
- Use contractors who are certified in water-efficient landscaping to design, install, or maintain my landscape and irrigation system when needed.
- Let my lawn go dormant and turn brown during hot, dry summer months.
- Reduce my household's water use on a permanent and ongoing basis and not just during drought periods.
- Live within a household water budget (a set allocation) based on number of people in my household and my property size.
COMMUNITY STRATEGIES
Strongly support:
- Ensure water supply is adequate and sustainable before new developments are approved.
- Protect sensitive awter resources in land use palnning (e.g., groundwater recharge zones, natural habitat along rivers and streams, wetlands).
- Provide more transparent and informative water bills to help people understand their water use data and ability to conserve.
STATE STRATEGIES
Strongly support:
- Ensure that water conservation and efficiency are prerequisites to approval of all water infrastructure projects.
- Promote statewide planning efforts for climate and drought resilience.