What is the big deal about Lake Mead?


What is the big deal about Lake Mead? Lake Mead provides water to the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada as well as some of Mexico, providing sustenance to nearly 20 million people and large areas of farmland.


What has been found at Lake Mead so far?

October 17, 2022 On Oct. 17, a diver discovered a human bone in the area of Callville Bay at Lake Mead, according to Clark County officials. A day later divers found more “human skeletal remains.”


How deep is Lake Mead now?

The depth of the water in front of the Hoover Dam has varied over years, largely impacted by the depth of Lake Mead, which has been on a fairly steady decline recently. In the 1980s, Lake Mead reached its peak depth of 590 ft (180 m) below the surface. Now, the lowest depth is about 400 ft (122 m).


Can you swim in Lake Mead?

There are many places to swim in the bright blue waters of Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Be aware that there are no lifeguards in the park. Always wear a life jacket. Most fatalities at Lake Mead National Recreation Area could have been avoided if the person in the water was wearing a life jacket.


Could Lake Mead go completely dry?

Lake Mead's water level continues to fall to historic lows, bringing the reservoir less than 150 feet away from “dead pool” — so low that water cannot flow downstream from the dam. The loss of water entirely from this source would be catastrophic.


Can you drink water from Lake Mead?

Water taken directly from Lake Mead, the Colorado River or the underground water table isn't safe for people to drink, but those are the sources of Southern Nevada's drinking water.


What will happen to Arizona if Lake Mead dries up?

What happens if Lake Mead dries up forever? If Lake Mead were to run out of water, the Hoover Dam would no longer be able to generate power or provide water to surrounding cities and farms. The Colorado River would essentially stop flowing, and the Southwest would be in a major water crisis.


Is there any hope for Lake Mead?

After falling to record lows in 2022, Lake Mead has seen its water levels rise 3 feet above projections after a precipitation-heavy winter. But experts warn it's only a temporary reprieve without a comprehensive water management plan.