Achilli Explains Lake Mead's Diminishing Water Level

Broad channels of dry lake bed are now visible as Lake Mead's water level continues at an all time low. America's largest reservoir, Lake Mead provides water to tens of millions of people.

In a recent Newsweek article, CHEE associate professor Andrea Achilli discussed the science behind the reservoir's lowering water, and how Arizona may reconcile with its future. Achilli explained that, due to prolonged drought and over-allocation of water, we are experiencing the driest conditions in the last 1,200 years.

"As a result, in 2023, Arizona will reduce its Colorado River supply by 592,000 acre-feet, corresponding to 21 percent of the Arizona Colorado river supply and approximately 9 percent of Arizona's total water supply. The agricultural sector is the most impacted user," Achilli said. "There is a need for a portfolio of solutions to manage water in the Southwest and to provide a sustainable future. Conservation may be a short-term solution, but in the middle and long term, we need to look at new water sources to augment supply. In my opinion, water reuse needs to be vigorously pursued, as it is a multiplier of the water available while reducing stress to the environment."