Timeline Shows How Lakes Powell, Mead Hit Lowest Combined Level
Summary
Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the two largest U.S. reservoirs on the Colorado River, have dropped to their lowest combined water level ever recorded. Experts warn this worsening water shortage threatens water supply and hydropower for millions in several Western states and Mexico.Key Facts
- On July 12, 2026, combined storage in Lake Powell and Lake Mead fell to about 12.7 million acre-feet, the lowest since records began.
- An acre-foot is the water needed to cover one acre of land one foot deep.
- Lake Powell stored about 5.5 million acre-feet, and Lake Mead about 7.2 million acre-feet on that date.
- The combined storage level was last this low in 1957, before Lake Powell was filled.
- Since early 2026, water levels have been dropping by around 16,000 acre-feet per day on average.
- The Colorado River provides water and power to seven U.S. states and Mexico, supporting 35 to 40 million people and much farming.
- Scientists warn reservoir levels could become too low to support normal water deliveries and power generation by 2028.
- The federal government plans to require major water users like Arizona, California, and Nevada to reduce Colorado River use by about 20% in 2027-2028.
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