1. The Past, Present, and Future
The Salton Sea
The Past, Present, and Future

2. What is the Salton Sea?
A huge salt water lake located in the Salton Basin in south central California
In 1901, engineers attempted to construct irrigation channels to bring Colorado River water into the region to promote agricultural progress
However, inflowing water overpowered a cut engineers made in the western bank and flooded the basin
By 1905 the result was the Salton Sea we see today

3. Aerial Views of the Salton Sea

4. Sunset at the Salton Sea

5. Value of the Sea Huge positive value to the State of California
Three primary reasons
Enables robust agricultural industry throughout the Imperial and Coachella Valleys
Supports vast ecosystem that attracts hundreds of species of wildlife, especially birds
Major recreational area – camping, boating, fishing, and bird watching

6. Animals of the Salton Sea
Tilapia
American White Pelican

7. Problems with the Sea
Three major environmental issues face the Salton Sea
Rising pollution levels – Algae causes the oxygen deprivation of fish
High levels of salinity – Currently much saltier than ocean water – many fish species dying off
Selenium, parasites, and bacteria – Killing animals like American White Pelicans

8. Solutions to the Sea
For 50 years solutions have been proposed to help the Salton Sea
However, not until recently has anything really been done
Some solutions that have been presented:
A "pipe in/pipe out" option which would bring in the lower salinity seawater from the Gulf of California or Pacific Ocean and pump out the higher salinity Salton Sea water
Evaporation ponds to act as a “salt sinks”
Large dam structures that would divide the sea into a marine lake portion and a brine salt sink portion
Sea-level canal between the Salton Sea and the Gulf of California to import lower salinity water

9. The Salton Sea Ecosystem Restoration Plan
Draft report released on October 19th, 2006
Outlines three main elements and eight alternatives for the lake’s rehabilitation
Habitat Restoration
Water Quality Management
Air Quality Management

10. Conclusion
After researching this important topic, I am actually quite optimistic about the future. I also believe that enough people are finally willing to face the extremely serious nature of the problems and are therefore willing to commit their efforts in order to resolving the crisis.