Lake Mead hits historic low water level as Colorado River struggles
Summary
Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, has reached its lowest water level since it was first filled about 90 years ago. This drop in water levels is part of a larger problem affecting the Colorado River system, which supplies water to millions of people and several states.Key Facts
- Lake Mead’s water level dropped to 1,040.4 feet above sea level, the lowest since it was filled.
- The Colorado River Basin had the worst snowpack on record last winter, reducing water flow.
- The Colorado River supplies water to over 40 million people in seven U.S. states, tribal nations, and Mexico.
- Federal officials proposed a short-term plan requiring California, Nevada, and Arizona to share water cuts.
- The lower water levels are caused by years of overuse, drought, and rising temperatures.
- Lake Powell, the second-largest reservoir on the Colorado River, is also near historic low levels.
- To protect a threatened fish species, officials will not release cool water from Lake Powell’s Glen Canyon Dam.
- In 2022, severe drought caused exposure of human remains and forced Las Vegas to pump water from deeper in Lake Mead.
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