Until 1904, Owens Lake was natural reservoir that stored runoff from the Sierra Nevada and provided fertile soil for family farms in the Owens Valley. Los Angeles, approximately 140 miles southwest, was growing and sought water from the Owens Valley drainage. The first Los Angeles Aqueduct was in completed in 1913. The aqueduct redirected water bound for Owens Lake to Los Angeles.

In 1921, in response to Southern California's increasing need, all remaining water was drained into the first LA Aqueduct. When this aqueduct reached full capacity, Los Angeles built a second. Completed in 1970, the second LA Aqueduct carries water from nearby Haiwee Reservoir to Los Angeles Reservoir.

Presently, Owens Lake is one of the dustiest places in the US; strong winds and violent dust storms lift toxic chemicals, arsenic and cadmium into the air. The lake is presently undergoing reclamation: salt grass is planted to stabilize the soil, and irrigation systems are being built to keep dust from blowing into the air.