Lake Mead hits record low water level as Colorado River concerns grow

The largest reservoir in the United States has plummeted to its lowest water level since it was created some 90 years ago. Federal data shows Lake Mead fell... Lake Mead has hit a new record low water level, renewing concerns about the Colorado River Basin that serves roughly 40 million people across the American West.The Bureau of Reclamation, which has tracked lake levels since the nation's largest reservoir was originally filled in the 1930s, recorded Lake Mead at 1,040.46 feet last week, breaking the previous record low of 1,040.5 feet set on July 28, 2022.

The agency tracks water levels hourly and posts them on its website.FROM THE ARCHIVES | Divers Find More Human Remains At Receding Lake MeadLake Powell, the nation's second largest reservoir, is also nearing a record low. As of last week, Lake Powell sat at 3,521.43 feet, approaching its previous record low of 3,519.92 feet, set in April 2023.Water levels at Lake Mead had risen for a couple of years after 2022 following several wet winters, but Bureau of Reclamation data shows the lake's elevation has fallen every day since July 31 of this year.Aquifer reserves shrinkingBecause of water demands on the Colorado River Basin, some cities have been drawing groundwater from aquifers. According to NASA estimates, those reserves have lost 13.7 trillion gallons of water since 2002.Federal proposal sets framework through 2036Last Friday, the federal government released a new proposal that will provide the framework for future operating guidelines for the Colorado River.

Federal authorities have suggested cutting about 3 million acre-feet of water, including about 300,000 acre-feet in Nevada equivalent to enough water to fill just over 150,000 Olympic-size swimming pools.Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the proposal is designed to keep the river system stable for those who depend on it."The Department has a responsibility to ensure the Colorado River system remains reliable and resilient for the millions of Americans, communities, and industries that depend on it," Burgum said. "This framework provides the flexibility to respond to changing hydrologic conditions while preserving the opportunity for Basin States to continue working toward durable, consensus-based solutions."RELATED STORY | Record snow drought in Western US raises concern for a spring of water shortages and wildfiresAccording to the Department of the Interior, the proposal includes key thresholds and ranges for operational elements and a process that will govern development and issuance of operating…