AllWays Traveller Features
Level 1 Shortage Condition at Lake Mead
Water levels at Lake Mead in 2017 were already critically low
17AUG2021 Boulder City, Nevada, USA
When I visited Hoover Dam, they warned us about dropping water levels in Lake Mead just five years ago.
The time has come. The water level, currently at 1065 feet, is below the critical level of 1075 feet. At this time, the authorities begin water restrictions.
That is well below the full level of 1225 feet. If the water level drops below 1050 feet, the dam would no longer generate power. If the worst happens, electricity supplied to 29 million people would be in jeopardy.
That is well below the full level of 1225 feet. If the water level drops below 1050 feet, the dam would no longer generate power. If the worst happens, electricity supplied to 29 million people would be in jeopardy.
The Hoover Dam is also a source of water for the populations of Arizona and Nevada.
The loss of water forces farmers who rely on the dam as a water source to use groundwater.
The dam is a popular tourist attraction; in the past, it has led tours through the interior of its massive structure.
The dam is a popular tourist attraction; in the past, it has led tours through the interior of its massive structure.
The tour gave a glimpse into the mighty generators needed to harness the water and turn it into electricity.
The agency suspended the tours during the COVID-19 pandemic, and closures continue today.
The Bureau of Reclamation has taken the unprecedented step of announcing the first-ever shortage condition in the lower river basin of The Colorado River, which feeds Lake Mead.
"Today's announcement of a Level 1 Shortage Condition at Lake Mead underscores the value of the collaborative agreements we have in place with the seven basin states, Tribes, water users, and Mexico in the management of water in the Colorado River Basin," said Reclamation Deputy Commissioner Camille Touton. "While these agreements and actions have reduced the risk, we have not eliminated the potential for the continued decline of these critically important reservoirs. Reclamation is committed to working with all of our partners in the basin and with Mexico in continuing to implement these agreements and the ongoing work ahead."
Useful links
https://www.usbr.gov/
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