Located in the eastern parts of Riverside and Imperial counties lies an empty body of water. Centered in the heart of a desert, the Salton Sea was once a booming vacation destination, the lake filled with boats and water skiing and the beaches filled with families. Now, the body of water still attracts tourists, but only to see the remains that are reminiscent of an archeological digging site.

The Salton Sea was created in 1905 when the Colorado River flooded and breached the canal gates. The excess water traveled to the Imperial Valley and the Salton Trough. Over the years, the salinity within the lake has increased, causing some species of fish to no longer sustain life. Visitors can still fish and kayak, however the recreational desire of the Salton Sea has been fleeting.

While it is in the desert, the Salton Sea is still surrounded by residents of the Imperial Valley. Salton City is a small town on the western side of the lake and is frequented by off-road enthusiasts during the cooler months. South of the water is heavy in agriculture and is home to Slab City, an off-the-grid community that also attracts tourists and nomadic snowbirds alike.

Those living around the Salton Sea are faced with different challenges than many who live in more developed parts of the state. A few of those challenges are housing, health, and environmental issues; all of which will be explained through our site.