Diverting the water to satisfy a thirsty Salt Lake City could drop the water level in the Great Salt Lake permanently by as much as 6 feet, said Zachary Frankel, founder and executive director of the Utah Rivers Council, a nonprofit organization that works to protect endangered rivers.
The Bear River accounts for 60 percent of the lake's surface water every year.
"That's a big chunk of water," Frankel said. "If you go and divert that water and send it someplace else, it's going to have impacts on the ecosystem."
State Rep. Craig Buttars, R-Lewiston, said while he agrees it is only a matter of time before Bear River water is developed, there are measures in place to protect the Great Salt Lake.
"The migratory bird refuge at Bear River is federally administered. There is a water right there that has to be met," Buttars said. "There are certain safeguards in place that would keep the water level from dropping because of water development."
Officials have long had their eyes on the Bear River as the last untapped water source along the Wasatch Front.
Buttars said he is concerned about Salt Lake City getting a taste of Bear River water, but he said it is unrealistic to think that Utah can get by without any future water development.
Source: AP
