Salton Sea – from vacation paradise to environmental apocalypse

Once Upon a Time in America. The largest lake in the state of California was created by accident. Or rather: through a mishap and dilettantism. In 1905, after heavy rains, the water masses of the Colorado River poured into a depression in the Colorado desert through incorrectly laid canals and a broken dam.

Only after two years could the leak finally be repaired and the unwanted diversion of the water stopped. In the meantime, an artificial lake had been created east of what is now Anza-Borrego State Park, which stretched over an area of ​​1,000 square meters: The Salton Sea was more than twice the size of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada, which is much further north of California .

Contrary to all expectations, the liquid did not seep away and evaporate in this desert area within a short time. Resourceful real estate agents sensed big business: They developed small vacation spots such as Salton City and Bombay Beach with vacation homes on the shores. In addition, there was the infrastructure suitable for day trippers with restaurants, hotels and marinas for the motorboats.

The region prospered until the 1950s. San Diego and Hollywood are only two and a half hours away by car. Instead of always going to Palm Springs, stars from Los Angeles such as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and the Beach Boys allegedly enjoyed themselves at the Salton Sea.

Dead fish instead of summer freshness

But there was a problem with the artificial lake, it lacked a natural inflow and outflow. Although fish were released, which reproduced in large numbers and attracted migratory birds, torrential rains caused severe flooding and prolonged periods of drought led to massive lowering of the water level.

From the 1970s the lake began to tip over and the ecological catastrophe took its course, starting with increasing salinization. The fertilizers introduced from agriculture caused algae growth and a lack of oxygen, which in turn resulted in massive fish deaths.

Sinking matter continues to produce toxic hydrogen sulfide, which pollutes the air. People have long since fled and the tourist infrastructure is crumbling. Today only a few people live in the remaining trailer parks on the dry bank edge.

Also read:

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– Instagram hype: tourists compete in front of this pink door

– The avant-garde in the California desert: Palm Springs – where stars and architects let off steam

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