The Latest Breaking News from the Salton Sea

An engineering mistake in 1905 accidentally created California’s largest lake — and it changed the desert forever

In 1905, an engineering blunder redirected the Colorado River into a desert basin, unintentionally giving rise to California's Salton Sea. Initially, this man-made lake flourished as a vibrant resort destination, attracting countless visitors. However, over time, rising salinity and dwindling water levels have altered its appeal. Despite these challenges, the…

The Economic Times · Aug 28

In 1898, an adventurer abandoned the sea for California's desert and built a home on a volcanic island; his strange settlement later became known as Hell's Kitchen

Captain Charles E. Davis embraced the Salton Sea's isolation, building Hell's Kitchen on Mullet Island. He hosted dances and served unique alfalfa-fed mullet to visitors. Davis later became fascinated by the Donner Party's historic journey. He painted their ordeal and retraced their route across thousands of miles. His collection now…

The Times of India · Aug 21

In 2000, the American West entered a megadrought that became its driest stretch in roughly 1,200 years. Years later, it left major lakes and reservoirs majorly depleted, with some losing enough water to expose miles of lakebed

Several major North American lakes are experiencing significant water level declines. Drought, warming temperatures, and increased water demands are the primary causes. Lake Powell and Lake Mead show dramatic reductions in their water storage capacity. The Great Salt Lake and Walker Lake have also seen substantial volume losses. These water…

The Economic Times · Aug 12

A Modern Gold Rush Emerges in California And One 40-Acre Property Sits at the Center of It

Amid the growing attention surrounding the Salton Sea sits a parcel of land that places buyers directly within the unfolding opportunity. The property spans 40 acres in Riverside County, positioned along the northern edge of the Salton Sea in an area known for geothermal activity and mineral-rich underground brine.

International Business Times · Mar 30

Big lithium plans for Imperial Valley, one of California’s poorest regions, raise a bigger question: Who should benefit?

Imperial County consistently ranks among the most economically distressed places in California. Its Salton Sea, the state’s biggest and most toxic lake, is an environmental disaster. And the region’s politics have been dominated by a conservative white elite, despite its supermajority Latino population.

The Conversation · Sep 26, 2024

Inside the Quest To Uncover the Culprit Behind A Lung Disease Brewing Near A California Lake

Scientists have long understood there to be a connection between the dust and the region around the Salton Sea's poor respiratory health.

Inverse · Aug 30, 2024

‘I’ll run until there’s no sea left’: the gas mask-wearing ultramarathoner circling the Salton Sea

The California landmark is shrinking, exposing a toxic lakebed that threatens neighbors. ‘Irondad’ is running 92 miles to highlight the crisis

The Guardian - US · Mar 17, 2024

California Has Enough Lithium Reserves To Power Over 300 Million EV Batteries

The U.S. Department of Energy said the lithium reserves in the Salton Sea provide a "once-in-a-generation-opportunity."

InsideEVs · Feb 13, 2024

Salton Sea's Lithium Treasure Trove Set To Turbocharge EV Battery Production

Lithium-rich geothermal brines in the Imperial Valley contain enough lithium to make 1 electric vehicle for each U.S. citizen.

International Business Times · Nov 29, 2023

Salton Sea eyed for lithium extraction

As companies with billionaire backing buy in, frontline communities weigh the economics with health and environment

Salon · Sep 7, 2023