This 1983 photo is of Hoover Dam when Lake Mead's water level was 1,211 ft. (Click on picture for larger image.)

This 2003 photo is of Hoover Dam when the lake's water level had dropped to 1,148 ft. The lake level continues to drop. (Click on picture for larger image.)

Drought in Southern Nevada
Droughts are a fact of life in virtually every climate, so it's important to develop plans to reduce the impact of a drought. Defining a drought can be difficult because it's not a distinct event like a flood, fire or hurricane. Instead, a combination of complex factors interact with the environment causing a reduction in a community's water supply.

Communities can aggravate drought conditions through high water consumption practices and inefficient water use.

Although no one can predict or control how long a drought will last, people can reduce their water usage to help stretch the water supply.

Valley experiencing worst drought on record
Southern Nevada relies on the Colorado River for nearly 90 percent of its water supply. The river is divided among seven states and Mexico and usually has an annual flow of 15 million acre feet or more. During water years 2000-2009 (i.e., the period Oct. 1, 1999 through Sept. 30, 2009), the Colorado River Basin received about 69 percent of its average inflows.

As a result of reduced inflows, the Colorado River’s two primary reservoirs—Lake Powell and Lake Mead—have been dramatically impacted. Lake Powell, which in September 1999 held approximately 23 million acre-feet (about 7.5 trillion gallons), is now at about 57 percent of its storage capacity. Lake Mead, which was brimming in 1999, has seen its storage reduced to about 45 percent of capacity as of March 2010.

Due to the drought's severe impact on storage in Lake Powell and Lake Mead, it is expected to take several years of above-average snowfall and runoff to replenish the reservoirs.

For more information on the drought, check out the Southern Nevada Water Authority's website: snwa.com.