Those intimately acquainted with the Great Salt Lake have watched with dread over the last two decades as it has steadily dwindled to a trickle of its former self.

Great Salt Lake Coordinator Laura Vernon compared the Great Salt Lake to a knotted-up ball of yarn, "where you think you have found the end and you pull one string and you make it tighter somewhere else.”

Why it matters: 

• A report commissioned by the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council said low lake levels could result in losses totaling $1.69 billion to $2.17 billion per year and job losses of more than 6,500 positions.
• Dust from the dried-up lakebed poses risks to the human and ecological health.
• Lower water levels threaten wild animal populations on Great Salt Lake islands by making it easier for predators to reach the islands.
• Low water levels make the lake practically unnavigable, harming Utah's recreation industry and making it harder to enjoy the lake.

What did Utah politicians do for water in Utah, Great Salt Lake?

We asked scientists, academics and nonprofits what they think of the seven most important bills relating to the Great Salt Lake this legislative session. 

HB121 sets aside $5 million to cover up to half of landscaping costs for homeowners to xeriscape their lawn or replace it with drought-resistant plants. The bill also requires state facilities to reduce their outdoor water use by 25% by 2026.

The original bill would have prevented cities from requiring grass, but lawmakers removed that language in an amendment.

Zach Frankel, executive director of the Utah Rivers Council, said the amended bill is weaker than the original and that it was the 6th or 7th time a lawmaker has tried and failed to stop Utah cities from requiring grass.

Read what experts said about the other six bills.

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How Utah ties performed at the NFL combine

Utah Utes linebacker Devin Lloyd led a group of five players with Utah ties who participated this past week at the 2022 NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

See the numbers Utah ties put up during on-field drills, and how they compared to their position groups.

See the sports TV schedule for the week.

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