Lake Mead provides nearly 40% of Arizona’s water supply, making it an extremely valuable resource. New projections from The Bureau of Reclamation show that the lake has a one in five chance of dropping below 1,000 feet of elevation before 2026 due to drought and overuse. [1]
By having what is known as junior priority status on the Colorado River, Arizona would be the first to experience cuts on the resource. Seven states and parts of Mexico all pull from the river-meaning Arizona will experience cuts soon. When this happens, the state will be forced to rely on whatever water they have in the state. Joanna Allhands, journalist for The Arizona Republic, emphasizes the importance of taking action, “the reality is water shortages at Lake Mead are looming, and if we don’t do more to mitigate the risk of something catastrophic happening, pain for many will turn into agony for all.” [3]
[1] Allhands, Joanna. Arizona’s water supply could face catastrophic cuts by 2026 if something doesn’t change. 06 07 2018. Web. 18 07 2018.
[3] Allhands, Joanna. Arizona’s water supply could face catastrophic cuts by 2026 if something doesn’t change. 06 07 2018. Web. 18 07 2018.
Photo Credit: Doc Searls via Flickr