Las Vegas Could Run Dry by 2021
Wed, Feb 13, 2008
If current climate trends continue and water usage is not cut back, Las Vegas’ largest water source could be completely dry within 13 years.
Lake Mead is the largest man-made lake or reservoir in the U.S., and is formed by the waters of the Colorado River held back by the Hoover Dam. The lake provides 90% of the water used by Las Vegas’ residents and casinos.
Researchers with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego calculated that Lake Mead has a 10% chance of running dry within 6 years. Unless changes in weather and water consumption are made, they say there is a 50% chance of the reservoir running dry by the year 2021. Study co-author Tim Barnett said: “Our reaction was frankly one of being stunned. We had not expected the problem to be so severe and so up close to us in time.”
Lake Mead is currently at less than 50% of capacity. The situation in the reservoir is just one in a series of environmental problems related to water reserves in the American West. The flows in the Colorado River, which feeds Lake Mead, have been depleted in recent years by drought and increased water demand from agriculture. Much of the American West has been suffering from a prolonged drought over the past sevearl years, leading to environmental issues such as increased numbers of forest fires.
There are several factors attributing to the lake’s loss of water. While the effects of global warming are one environmental issue attributing to the environmental problem, the scientists believe the biggest cause of the decline is greater demand from residents.
Barnett said: “The biggest change right now is taking more water from the bucket than we are putting into it.” Las Vegas, with its giant hotel pools, flashy fountains, and dozens of golf courses is an easy scapegoat in the issue, but the problem can’t be blamed solely on one city’s water consumption. Scott Huntsman, a spokesperson for the water authority that covers the Vegas area, said: “While we wholeheartedly support the authors’ call for greater urban water conservation, it is important to also remember that agriculture uses four-fifths of the Colorado River’s flows, so meaningful solutions cannot be borne solely by urban users.”
Info from Reuters
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February 14th, 2008 at 10:23 am
I would be inclined to compassion for the people of Las Vegas, and I certainly have no problem with that fair city, but come on people: building an ever-expanding city in the middle of the desert, with no independent source of water? How is it a surprise to anyone that this has to end in catastrophy?
It just isn’t possible to maintain this kind of poor water management in a society that is only geared for consumption.
The good thing is: nobody has to vote for change or advocate for better water management. There is no requirement to give more thought to conservation. When the water goes away, so will the problem of Las Vegas. Nature’s way of dealing with this kind of situation knows no remorse and no mercy. Civilization ends where the water runs out.
You’d think we’d know that by now.
April 29th, 2008 at 1:17 am
Josh you are such a moron for thinking that just because we are in a desert, we are destined to run out of water supply. Because of people like you is probably why we are running out of water in the first place. We need to stop being so careless, and really take care of our enviromnent and stop wasting so much water.
May 31st, 2008 at 5:07 am
If Vegas goes dry there will certainly be enough alcohol to keep visitors happy for decades. Seriously though, a story liek this should be illustrating that global warming is a real trend that is alarming.