How Lake Mead Water Levels Stand as Nevada Sues Over Colorado River Cuts
Nevada has sued over new Colorado River rules as Lake Mead nears historic lows.
Lake Mead, the United States' largest reservoir, remains perilously low as Nevada and the Southern Nevada Water Authority file a lawsuit against a federal plan governing the Colorado River. The plaintiffs argue that the plan would impose disproportionately severe water cuts on Nevada while sparing upstream states from mandatory reductions.
As of August 24, Lake Mead sits roughly 190 feet below full pool and is the lowest level recorded since it was filled in the 1930s. Meanwhile, Lake Powell, the second-largest reservoir, has fallen to about 22 percent full, marking one of the most visible signs of long-term stress on the Colorado River Basin, which supplies water to approximately 40 million people.
The plaintiffs contend that the federal framework unfairly burdens Lower Basin states, like Nevada, with significant water cuts while exempting Upper Basin states from equivalent mandatory reductions.
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