Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the nation’s two largest reservoirs, are following patterns very similar to 2021, the year the water shortage was declared by the federal government. There’s one big difference: Lake Mead is already 10 feet lower than it was then, despite ongoing conservation efforts. And that’s a problem for Las Vegas and millions of people who rely on the Colorado River for water. A report released on Wednesday shows that Lake Mead is expected to be 5 feet lower a year from now. More concerning is the projection that shows it will drop an additional 15 feet by September 2027 — so, a total of 20 feet compared to now.

Other Colorado River Basin news:

• ABC15 (Phoenix): Video: Colorado River Basin states have less than a month to come up with water deal
• Daily Camera (Boulder, Colo.): Editorial: The Colorado River needs compromise not reckless threats and hyperbole
• The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah): Editorial: The feds could take over the Colorado River. Utah shouldn’t object
• Sibley’s Rivers: Blog: Romancing the river – in pursuit of the real 1922 compact
• Invisible Waters: Blog: Q&A — ‘Life after dead pool’