Lake Mead plummets to historic low water level as Colorado River struggles
Lake Mead has reached its lowest water level in 90 years, signaling a severe water crisis for the American West. The reservoir, which serves millions of people, is struggling due to prolonged drought and the depletion of the Colorado River.
Why it matters
Water scarcity in the Colorado River basin threatens the water supply and agricultural stability for millions of people across seven states and Mexico.
A paddle boat in Lake Mead near the Hoover Dam, far below the bathtub ring of light minerals indicating the lack of water, near Boulder City, Nevada, on 7 August. A paddle boat in Lake Mead near the Hoover Dam, far below the bathtub ring of light minerals indicating the lack of water, near Boulder City, Nevada, on 7 August. Colorado river crisis Lake Mead plummets to historic low water level as Colorado River struggles Levels at reservoir along Arizona-Nevada border dipped below previous record set in 2022, amid water crisis in west
Prefer the Guardian on Google 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.
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