Weber State survey finds Utahns would pay more than $100 a year for Great Salt Lake

Most Utahns say they would pay higher utility bills or state income taxes to help refill the Great Salt Lake, according to a Weber State University economic survey reported by the Salt Lake Tribune in partnership with Grist. The manuscript is still undergoing peer review. ^[1]

Researchers surveyed 1,050 Utahns in August 2025. Respondents who were moderately sure their contribution would make a difference were willing to pay between $113 and $144 per household each year. Through water bills, the range was $36.56 to nearly $369 depending on confidence, and through state taxes it was $41.60 to $485.10. Lead author Therese Cavlovic said people value the lake "just because it exists." ^[1]

The study found 95% of respondents called the lake at least somewhat important, and respondents were more inclined to pay through water bills than taxes. Co-author Matt Gnagey said the results do not necessarily mean people want taxes raised, but that "maybe they want to shift how taxes are currently being used." ^[1]

On the moderate end, the findings suggest Utahns would collectively pay up to $162 million a year across 1.1 million households, the Tribune reported. A 2025 study estimated it would take $98.6 million to $421.6 million annually to compensate farmers for conserving enough water for the lake to stabilize and refill. ^[1]