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Lake Mead: What happens if the water levels drop too low?

Posted at 5:35 PM, May 20, 2022
and last updated 2022-05-22 19:20:11-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — As water levels continue to decline at Lake Mead, the question remains, "how will we get water to valley residents if water levels drop too low?"

DROUGHT CRISIS: 13 Action News has the coverage on the drought crisis happening in Southern Nevada

From the water, the visible changes happening at Lake Mead are huge. The effects of the low lake levels are alarming.

The lake levels are so low that what was only the tip of the first pumping station about 30 days ago is now almost completely above water. According to the Water Authority, the pump is now completely inoperable, and no longer pumping water to valley residents.

Last month, the agency turned on the third pumping station-which was designed years ago as a backup in case water levels ever got too low.

Guarded by "restricted area buoys," boaters can't get close enough to the dam.

The Water Authority said for now, we are still secure and they will continue to be able to get water out to valley residents.

Currently, there are engineers and scientists working to come up with future solutions for what happens next when water levels continue to drop.