A sliver of blue in an otherwise dry Owens Lake is indicative of a recent project by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to mitigate some of the harmful impacts that have resulted from the diversion of water from the Owens Valley. At one time Owens Lake was nearly 15 miles long and 10 miles wide, with a water level of over 30 feet and the deepest point. Beginning in 1913, the Owens River, which fed Owens Lake, was diverted to supply water to Los Angeles. The lake subsequently... more »
A sliver of blue in an otherwise dry Owens Lake is indicative of a recent project by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to mitigate some of the harmful impacts that have resulted from the diversion of water from the Owens Valley. At one time Owens Lake was nearly 15 miles long and 10 miles wide, with a water level of over 30 feet and the deepest point. Beginning in 1913, the Owens River, which fed Owens Lake, was diverted to supply water to Los Angeles. The lake subsequently dried up and left behind extensive accumulations of evaporites. Although some industries took advantage of the readily available minerals, the main contribution of the evaporites was in the form of particulate air pollution (the worst in the nation). Despite its dramatically reduced size, Owens Lake is still considered a Nationally Significant Bird Area by the Audubon Society due to its role as as stopover for migrating water fowl. There are no plans, however, to fully return the lakebed to its former state. « less
