Water in Lake Mead is on course to fall to the lowest level in recorded history by 2027, according to a recent forecast by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Water levels in the reservoir have steadily dropped over the years as the Colorado River – the lake’s biggest source of water – has been choked by rising temperatures, prolonged drought and growing demand. If reservoir storage continues on its current trajectory, Lake Mead’s water elevation is likely to drop to about 1,038 feet by the end of June 2027 – two feet lower than when it fell to a record low in July 2022, according to a two year forecast released by the federal agency last week. 

Other Colorado River Basin news:

• 12News (Phoenix, Ariz.): Look out, Lake Powell: Experts say the lake could drop below critical levels as soon as 2026
• Arizona Republic (Phoenix): A plan to expand water storage at Bartlett Dam is up for review
• Denver Gazette (Colo.): CPW to restore native cutthroat trout to Colorado creek
• The Colorado Sun (Denver): Colorado’s monsoon season is gearing up. Will it be enough to beat drought on the Western Slope?
• Arizona Republic (Phoenix): Opinion: If Yuma loses water, America could be left with empty plates