Diverting water away from the Great Salt Lake began in 1850

We've transitioned from a system with surplus capacity to a system operating in permanent deficit. Engineered water diversions made Utah what it is today, and also made the Great Salt Lake what it is today. Recognition of the sacrifice we have asked of the Lake, and the impact of its dying throes today on the very lifestyle and economy it helped to create allow us to plan how to save both the Lake and our Wasatch Front way of life. 

First, here is a more detailed look at the Great Salt Lake Water Budget, and how it has changed over time.