Stuff You Should Know Eco-Disasters 101: The Salton Sea
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Nov 11, 2025 In California's desert, an engineering mishap in 1905 created the Salton Sea, which initially thrived before becoming a toxic hazard. As farming surged, agricultural runoff led to salinization and ecological disasters, prompting mass die-offs of fish and birds. Once a bustling recreation hub, it's now ghost towns and health crises due to pollution and dust exposure. Despite recent restoration efforts, the future remains uncertain, with geothermal and lithium projects sparking debates over development versus environmental health.
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Accidental Creation Of A Huge Inland Lake
- The Salton Sea is an inland lake created accidentally when the Colorado River breached irrigation canals in 1905–1907.
- That human-made lake spread over ~400 square miles and became a permanent fixture due to continued agricultural runoff.
Irrigation Turned The Lake Salty And Persistent
- Agricultural irrigation runoff fed and stabilized the Salton Sea, preventing its natural evaporation.
- That runoff also carried salts and pollutants that gradually turned the lake briny and toxic.
Mid‑Century Resort Boom And Bust
- In the 1950s developers turned the area into the Salton Riviera with tiki bars, concerts, and boating.
- The North Shore Beach and Yacht Club became a crown jewel before tourism collapsed as water quality worsened.