A new study by the Bureau of Reclamation predicts water levels to lower in Lake Mead by 2018, but it’s not all doom and gloom in southern Nevada.
Lake Mead is a vital source of water for southern Nevadans.
Zev Goldman is the principal at Yeshiva Day School. Since moving from the East Coast, he’s come to appreciate water not only for himself but for the hope of his students.
“We’ve got beautiful grass, beautiful trees for the city to grow economically,” Goldman said. “As a religious Jew, it’s something that we pray for.”
Since the drought began 16 years ago, Lake Mead’s water levels continue to shrink according to water conservationists. A report released by the Bureau of Reclamation predicts the levels to go even lower by 2018.
Bronson Mack with the Southern Nevada Water Authority says this report is more of a guide than a concrete prediction. He says conservation efforts have led to a 30 percent water reduction.
Investments into projects like the “Intake 3” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AASLhQTojJ4 will continue to ensure Nevada will have enough water to carry through drought periods.
“We’ve got a seven year supply for southern Nevada that is stocked away for our future needs in the event that we need it,” Mack said. “That 24 month study is used to help inform us as water managers into what strategies we need to have in order to manage water demands.”
Water banks are in California and Arizona, according to Mack. A year’s supply of water is secured in an aquifer below the Las Vegas valley.
Mack says southern Nevada can continue to meet water demands over the next 50 years.
