Lake Mead's water levels are being closely watched, as they continue to fluctuate in the United States' largest human-made reservoir.
The Arizona-Nevada reservoir provides water for 25 million people living across the region, but drought conditions in recent years have drastically depleted its resources. Although the lake has recovered slightly in the past year due to unusual wet weather, it is not out of the woods yet.
So, what is the situation so far this year?
As of June 20, 2024, the lake's water level stood at 1,063.94 feet above mean sea level (MSL). This is down from 1,067.08 feet recorded a month earlier, and 165.06 feet below the reservoir's full pool level of 1,229 feet.
However, the measurement is higher than the recorded level at the same time last year, which was 1,055 feet.
The lake's water levels climbed gradually at the beginning of 2024, standing at 1,072.67 feet in January, then began to decline at the beginning of March, when it had reached 1,075.53 feet.
It is quite normal for the lake's water levels to fluctuate seasonally, especially in the warmer summer months.
But any decline is notable, because if the water levels continue to decline, it exacerbates concerns over water supply for millions of people in the Southwestern United States. The reservoir, which is formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, is a vital source of water for agricultural, municipal, and industrial uses across the Colorado River basin.
Lake Mead is not the only reservoir in the region that is under watch. Neighboring Lake Powell is also critical for water supply, and also suffering at the hands of prolonged drought.
"The combined storage of Lakes Powell and Mead, the two large reservoirs on the Colorado River, has declined somewhat since the beginning of the year," Jennifer Pitt, director of the National Audubon Society's Colorado River Project, told Newsweek, of the decline of water levels since March.
"Lake Powell does not get a lot of inflow over the winter while much of the snow remains frozen on the mountaintops, but it continues to release water downstream. Since January 1, the water in storage at Lake Powell has decreased by about 8% (640,000 acre-feet). Lake Mead, which receives water released from Lake Powell, and makes releases to water users downstream, has since January 1 increased by about 7% (600,000 acre-feet)."
The current water levels in Lake Mead show a significant improvement from previous years. Though higher than the same time last year, the level gradually increased during the spring in 2023. This rise was attributed to an exceptionally wet year, with a record amount of snowpack accumulating in the surrounding mountains.
In 2022, Lake Mead experienced a particularly difficult year, hitting its lowest recorded level of 1,040 feet in July. This severe drop was largely due to extended drought conditions affecting the region.
By the end of 2024, water storage in the reservoir is expected to be slightly lower than it was by the end of last year. This is because water use will be greater than the water supply allows, according to Pitt.
Efforts to mitigate the impact of falling water levels are underway. The Lower Colorado River Basin states have implemented various water conservation measures, including water-use restrictions and efficiency improvements in agriculture and urban areas. Additionally, there are ongoing negotiations to develop long-term agreements aimed at balancing water supply and demand more effectively.
Experts like Pitt have highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to managing the Colorado River's resources.
As Lake Mead's water levels continue to fluctuate, the region faces an urgent need for innovative and collaborative solutions to address the water crisis. The situation at the reservoir serves as a stark reminder of the broader challenges facing water resource management in an era of climate change and increasing demand. Ensuring a reliable water supply for the millions of people dependent on the Colorado River requires sustained efforts and adaptive management strategies.
Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about Lake Mead? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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