Lake Mead's water level has dropped
about 100 feet since 2000.
The Las Vegas Valley gets about 90 percent of its water from the Colorado River, which is facing the worst drought on record.
Since January 2000, Lake Mead's water level has dropped approximately 100 feet. As a Southern Nevada Water Authority member agency, the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) adopted mandatory conservation measures to help the community weather the drought.
Snowmelt and precipitation in the Colorado Rocky Mountains feed the Colorado River, which flows into Lake Mead. The Rocky Mountains have had below-average snowfall for several years, decreasing the amount of runoff into the Colorado River.
Lake Mead is more than three trillion gallons below capacity. Despite above-average rainfall in the valley and community-wide conservation efforts, it will take many years of above-normal runoff in the Rocky Mountains before Lake Mead's water level returns to the level before the drought began.
Learn what's being done to protect our water resources during the drought.Video »
Sign up to receive updates about conservation initiatives.Subscribe »