Scientists raise red flags after iconic US lake hits alarming new record: 'Farmers should begin planning accordingly'

Water levels in the largest reservoir in the United States are already in a crisis state and are projected to reach a record low within two years.

What's happening?

As Newsweek reported, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is sounding the alarm that Lake Mead is on course to fall to a record low of 1,041.05 feet by May 2027. This would leave the lake less than a third full, bringing it dangerously close to the so-called "dead pool" situation. This occurs when the water level is too low to flow downstream, rendering the Hoover Dam inoperable. Earth.org reported that the dead pool scenario would occur if water levels were to drop below 895 feet.

Why is Lake Mead so important?

It's difficult to overstate the lake's importance to Western states. Lake Mead supplies water to approximately 40 million people across several states, parts of Mexico, and dozens of tribal nations. The water crisis is a direct consequence of human activity.

The pollution from planet-heating dirty energy sources is leading to less snow in the mountains that feed the Colorado River's water flow. As the Idaho Capital Sun reported, the Rockies only had about 63% of the average snowpack by April, far below the required levels. Soaring global temperatures are leading to a phenomenon where the dry gets drier and the wet gets wetter. Much of the Southwest is experiencing severe drought conditions that are only worsening.

What's being done about Lake Mead's water crisis?

In some states, water restrictions are already in place. Some municipalities are offering cash incentives for homeowners to ditch their water-guzzling lawns. Landscaping techniques like xeriscaping can drastically reduce residential water consumption without compromising a yard's aesthetic appeal.

Of course, while there are considerable savings to be had in reducing residential and unused grassy areas in drought-stricken states, agriculture is by far the biggest drain on Mead. It accounts for about 80% of Mead's water use. As Kyle Roerink, executive director of the Great Basin Water Network, explained to Newsweek, more funding is needed to encourage farmers to adopt more water-conserving methods.

"How we traditionally prop up Mead is by paying farmers to fallow temporarily. Agriculture is the reliable water bank." Roerink said. "So farmers should begin planning accordingly."

Ultimately, a combination of more sustainable agricultural practices and sensible residential water policies is needed to give Mead the best chance of long-term viability. The most significant climate action happens at the local level.

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