Hilary's rain had little effect on Lake Mead's water levels | Local Nevada | Local.
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Las Vegas has two systems for disposing of excess water. The sewage system carries sink and toilet water to a treatment plant, where it's processed before being sent to Lake Mead. Rain and runoff water travels through storm drains and channels directly to the Las Vegas Wash and on to the lake.
Lake Mead sees 'significant improvement' in water levels after drought led to disturbing discoveries. In October 2022, the water levels at the reservoir were roughly 1,046 feet.
Lake Powell and Lake Mead are unlikely to refill for another 50 years - and would need SIX consecutive years of deadly atmospheric rivers to replenish.
Without Lake Mead, Las Vegas would lose access to 90 percent of its water sources. If Lake Mead were to reach dead pool, it would technically still be able to supply drinking water to Las Vegas. But there will not be enough water for agricultural activities.
Lake Mead is expected to be at 1,065 feet by the end of the year, compared with 1,047 feet in January. As of June 2023, the lake was at 1,056 feet, according to Bureau of Reclamation data. Ben Burr from the Blue Ribbon Coalition, an organization dedicated to recreation and public lands, says this is good news.
Record snowfall in the West wasn't enough to alleviate drought impacting Lake Mead. The record snowfall in the West wasn't enough to permanently alter the course of the drought impacting Lake Mead. FOX Weather's Robert Ray reports on the ongoing water issues and the Colorado River.
It is the largest reservoir in the US in terms of water capacity. Lake Mead provides water to the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada as well as some of Mexico, providing sustenance to nearly 20 million people and large areas of farmland.
According to the LVVWD, the first straw, or intake one, will no longer work when the lake level falls below 1,050 feet (Lake Mead's water level is measured at an altitude above sea level).
Without Lake Mead, Las Vegas would lose access to 90 percent of its water sources. If Lake Mead were to reach dead pool, it would technically still be able to supply drinking water to Las Vegas. But there will not be enough water for agricultural activities.
Lake Mead has dropped by 70% due to droughts in the West and it will take many years to refill again, naturally. The reservoir is vitally important to millions of people as a source of water, electricity, and recreation.
Still, the drought deficit is so large, experts say the West would need four or five more years of snowmelt like this year's to really fill up Powell and Mead.