Salt Lake City and Sandy Conservation Efforts Enable New Lease for Great Salt Lake

The Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake and Sandy has agreed to lease 2,500 acre-feet of water annually to the Great Salt Lake for 5-10 years.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:07am

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A bold, abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric shapes and organic patterns in muted earth tones, representing the complex ecosystems and natural forces of the Great Salt Lake.A collaborative conservation effort between cities and residents aims to replenish the dwindling waters of the Great Salt Lake.Sandy Today

The Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake and Sandy has entered into an agreement to lease approximately 2,500 acre-feet of water annually to the Great Salt Lake. The lease is scheduled to last between five and 10 years, meaning a total of 12,500 to 25,000 acre-feet of water could be directed to the lake over the next decade. The availability of this water is the result of conservation efforts by residents and businesses in Salt Lake City and Sandy.

Why it matters

The Great Salt Lake has reached record low levels due to a combination of climate change, drought, and the redirection of water. This new lease agreement aims to support the lake's ecosystem during this period of environmental stress and declining water levels.

The details

The water from the lease will flow into Gilbert and Farmington bays to boost their respective ecosystems. The Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust is paying the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake City and Sandy an undisclosed sum to facilitate the transfer of water. This is the first agreement stemming from increased conservation by homeowners and businesses within the cities.

  • The lease agreement was announced on April 6, 2026.
  • The lease is scheduled to last between 5 and 10 years.

The players

Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake and Sandy

The water utility that has entered into the lease agreement to provide water to the Great Salt Lake.

Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust

The organization that is paying the Metropolitan Water District to facilitate the transfer of water to the Great Salt Lake.

Marcelle Shoop

The executive director of the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust.

Hannah Freeze

The deputy Great Salt Lake commissioner.

Shaela Adams

A representative with the National Audubon Society.

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What they’re saying

“It goes to show that individual and collective actions to conserve water can make a difference for Great Salt Lake.”

— Marcelle Shoop, Executive Director of the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust

“This initiative is part of the Great Salt Lake Collaborative, a solutions journalism effort involving media, education, and news organizations working to inform the public about the lake's condition and potential solutions.”

— Shaela Adams, Representative with the National Audubon Society

What’s next

The Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust will continue to work with the Metropolitan Water District and other partners to identify additional opportunities to direct water to the Great Salt Lake in order to support its ecosystem.

The takeaway

This lease agreement demonstrates how conservation efforts by local residents and businesses can have a tangible impact on addressing the environmental challenges facing the Great Salt Lake. It serves as a model for how communities can come together to protect critical natural resources.