Going the depths for Tahoe: Clean Up the Lake completes Deep Dive Pilot Project

Clean Up The Lake Completes Tahoe Deep Dive Pilot Project

The nonprofit Clean Up The Lake (CUTL) has successfully finished its Tahoe Deep Dive Pilot Project, a significant research and cleanup initiative investigating litter accumulation and aquatic health between 35 and 55 feet below Lake Tahoe's surface.

Advanced Methods for Underwater Cleanup

Using Diver Propulsion Vehicles and Nitrox, the team employed advanced deep-water techniques to enhance diver safety and efficiency while collecting crucial data to inform future underwater cleanup efforts.

Project Duration and Volunteer Engagement

From February to July 2025, CUTL held 14 cleanup days involving 29 dives. They engaged 26 unique volunteers who filled 80 volunteer roles and contributed 480 hours both underwater and on land.

Cleanup Results

Removed 1,933 pounds of litter
Collected 1,042 individual items
Covered 6.1 miles of lakebed and 4.75 miles of Placer County shoreline
Common items found included 248 glass bottles and 21 anchors, alongside various metal, plastic, and recreational debris

Preliminary Data on Litter Extent

Preliminary analysis indicates that if the debris concentrations found in this pilot area are typical across Lake Tahoe, there could be over 29,000 pounds of litter and 17,000 items at similar depths lakewide.

These findings highlight the widespread need for large-scale underwater cleanup initiatives to protect Lake Tahoe's ecosystem.

Author's Summary

The Tahoe Deep Dive Pilot Project demonstrated the effectiveness of innovative underwater cleanup techniques and revealed significant underwater litter, underscoring the urgent need for continued restoration of Lake Tahoe.

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Carson Now — 2025-11-10