The Lake Mead Water Crisis Explained

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.

1 minute read

May 6, 2015, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


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.

Saturday, May 2, 2015 in Brookings

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘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.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

The U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner and President Donald Trump at a press conference.

HUD, USDA agree on framework to simplify housing environmental review standards

Their agreement is a requirement of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.

5 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Two hands install a water pipe in red dirt.

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.

6 hours ago - Inside Climate News

A residential street with apartments in NYC.

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.

7 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

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.