Key facts
- Lake Mead has reached its lowest water level in 90 years.
- Lake Mead is the largest U.S. reservoir.
- The decline signals a severe crisis for the Colorado River system.
- A winter with poor snowpack contributed to the low water level.
- Water supply for millions across seven states and Mexico is impacted.
Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, has officially hit its lowest water level in 90 years. This unprecedented decline signifies a severe crisis for the Colorado River system, which is a vital water source for a vast region. The record low follows a winter characterized by poor snowpack in the mountains that feed the river. This diminished water supply directly impacts millions of individuals across seven U.S. states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as parts of Mexico. The ongoing drought and increased demand have placed immense pressure on the Colorado River, leading to these critical water level reductions in Lake Mead.