The water level in Lake Mead dropped to an all-time low at the end of April, falling below 1080 feet above sea level for the first time in 78 years.
An article by Alexandria Icenhower and Shawn Dar explains that the recent record low levels achieved by Lake Mead amidst the ongoing drought affecting the Western United States "will continue to have consequences for states like Arizona, California, and Nevada that draw their water supply from Lake Mead."
To put the record in perspective, Icenhower and Dar share insights into a new video by Brookings Nonresident Senior Fellow Pat Mulroy, who is also the former general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority. Among the facts explained in the video, also embedded below, are the critical stats on how much water the Lake Mead holds at capacity, how much its holding now, the preparation the Southern Nevada Water Authority has already taken to prepare for the worst possible drought scenarios, and the culture change that will still be required to weather the ongoing, historic drought.
In a separate article, John M. Glionna provides more details on the record setting low levels of Lake Mead.
FULL STORY: 5 facts you need to know about Lake Mead’s water crisis
Colorado River Water Crisis Deepens
The states that rely on the Colorado’s water must make drastic cuts in water usage to maintain use of the West’s most important—and most threatened—water source.
Booming Arizona Must Confront its Water Problem
Even as more people and companies flock to the state for its climate and economic opportunities, Arizona's water supplies are facing historic shortages.
Arizona Governor Pledges $1 Billion to Water Infrastructure
The billion-dollar investment in the state's water supplies sounds good on paper, but lawmakers must also distribute funding effectively to mitigate the state's urgent water shortage.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
Opinion: California’s SB 79 Would Improve Housing Affordability and Transit Access
A proposed bill would legalize transit-oriented development statewide.
Record Temperatures Prompt Push for Environmental Justice Bills
Nevada legislators are proposing laws that would mandate heat mitigation measures to protect residents from the impacts of extreme heat.
Downtown Pittsburgh Set to Gain 1,300 New Housing Units
Pittsburgh’s office buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century, are prime candidates for conversion to housing.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service