Clean Up The Lake Completes Tahoe Deep Dive Pilot Project
The nonprofit organization Clean Up The Lake (CUTL) has successfully finished its Tahoe Deep Dive Pilot Project, a detailed research and cleanup initiative focused on litter and aquatic health at depths of 35 to 55 feet in Lake Tahoe.
Advanced Methods for Underwater Cleanup
Utilizing Diver Propulsion Vehicles and Nitrox, the team implemented cutting-edge deep-water techniques to boost diver efficiency and safety, while collecting crucial data to support future extensive underwater cleanup efforts.
Project Timeline and Volunteer Engagement
Between February and July 2025, CUTL conducted 14 cleanup events comprising 29 dives. The project involved 26 distinct volunteers, who filled 80 volunteer positions and contributed a total of 480 hours underwater and onshore.
Litter Removal and Findings
- A total of 1,933 pounds of litter was removed from 6.1 miles of lakebed and 4.75 miles of Placer County shoreline.
- The cleanup recovered 1,042 individual pieces of debris, including 248 glass bottles, 21 anchors, and various metal, plastic, and recreational waste.
Preliminary data indicates that if the debris density observed in the pilot zone is similar throughout Lake Tahoe, over 29,000 pounds of litter and 17,000 items could remain at comparable depths across the lake.
Author's Summary
This pilot project highlights the vast amount of underwater litter in Lake Tahoe and demonstrates innovative techniques that can enhance future large-scale cleanup efforts.