Lake Powell Should be Drained to Save Lake Mead, Scientists Say
Summary
Scientists and water experts are suggesting a new approach to save water in the Colorado River system by draining Lake Powell and sending its water downstream to Lake Mead. This idea comes because both lakes are low due to drought, and Lake Powell's dam has limitations that make it hard to use all its water.Key Facts
- Lake Powell is the second-largest reservoir in the U.S., and Lake Mead is the largest.
- Both lakes are currently about 23-25% full due to ongoing drought in the West.
- The Glen Canyon Dam at Lake Powell was designed when the river had more water, but flows have dropped about 20% since 2000.
- Lake Powell’s dam cannot release water located too low in the reservoir, making some water unreachable.
- Experts propose sending Lake Powell’s water downstream through tunnels to Lake Mead, which could store more water.
- This plan would create a free-flowing section of the Colorado River where Lake Powell now is.
- Doing this would stop hydropower production at Glen Canyon Dam, but the dam’s power is already at risk due to low water.
- Current emergency water management actions are only temporary fixes, not long-term solutions.
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