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.
Read the full story: 5 facts you need to know about Lake Mead’s water crisis
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan
Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.
Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment
Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.
HUD, USDA agree on framework to simplify housing environmental review standards
Their agreement is a requirement of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
Cost of water rising at a faster pace than inflation, median household income
California and Maryland residents have seen their water bills grow especially high.
NYC building owners overwhelmingly comply with new emissions limits
The New York City Department of Buildings is fining owners who did not file emissions reports.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
planning NEXT
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello