Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, has plummeted to its lowest water level since it was filled some 90 years ago, the latest sign of a deepening water crisis in the American west. Water levels at the reservoir, which straddles the Arizona-Nevada border outside Las Vegas, hit 1,040.4ft (317.1 meters) above sea level on Friday, according to federal data. This is just below the record set on 28 July 2022, according to the US Bureau of Reclamation.
Lake Mead hits historic low water level
UKPulse News DeskThe largest reservoir in the United States has plummeted to its lowest water level since it was filled 90 years ago, amid a deepening water crisis in the American west.
- Lake Mead's water level has dropped below the previous record set in 2022
- The reservoir is a critical storage system on the Colorado River, which supplies 40 million people across seven US states, tribal nations, and Mexico
- Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the second major reservoir on the Colorado River, are facing historic low levels due to overuse, drought, and extreme heat
Why this matters: The water crisis in the American west affects 30 million people who rely on the Colorado River for water, and could have significant implications for farmers, industry, wildlife, and hydropower producers.
What this means for you: If you live in the American west, you may be affected by the water crisis, and could face reduced water supplies or increased costs for water.