Largest U.S. reservoir at historic low

Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S. and crucial to the water supply of 25 million people, has sunk to its lowest level ever, highlighting the extreme drought gripping the U.S. West

Reservoir is at 30% capacity


LAKE MEAD WATER LEVEL

1950s: Drought

1963: Filling of Lake Powell

Drought: 1,125ft

Jun 9, 2021: 1,071ft (327m) record low

Max: 1,232ft 

Lake elevation (feet)*
1,180 
1,120 
1,060
1940 1960 1980 2000 2020


Major cities dependent on water from Lake Mead
*Surface elevation above sea level

NEVADA
Las Vegas
Hoover Dam
CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles
San Diego
PACIFIC OCEAN
Colorado River
UTAH
Grand Canyon
Lake Powell
Lake Mead
ARIZONA
Phoenix
Tucson
U.S.
MEXICO
50km 30 miles

UNITED STATES


Sources: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Reuters
Pictures: Newscom, Getty Images
© GRAPHIC NEWS