Clean Up The Lake Completes Tahoe Deep Dive Pilot Project
Nonprofit organization Clean Up The Lake (CUTL) has successfully finished its Tahoe Deep Dive Pilot Project, a research and cleanup initiative examining litter accumulation and aquatic health between 35 and 55 feet below Lake Tahoe's surface.
Project Methods and Volunteer Efforts
The team utilized Diver Propulsion Vehicles and Nitrox to enhance diver safety and efficiency while collecting important data for future extensive underwater cleanup operations. From February to July 2025, CUTL conducted 14 cleanup days comprising a total of 29 dives.
A group of 26 unique volunteers participated, filling 80 volunteer slots and contributing 480 hours underwater and onshore.
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
Frequently recovered debris included 248 glass bottles, 21 anchors, and various metal, plastic, and recreational waste.
Preliminary Data Insights
Preliminary analysis indicates that if the debris density found in the pilot zone is typical around the lake, over 29,000 pounds of litter and approximately 17,000 items might remain at similar depths throughout Lake Tahoe.
Author's Summary
This pilot project demonstrated effective deep-water cleanup techniques and revealed significant underwater litter in Lake Tahoe, guiding future efforts to preserve its aquatic health.