LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — It’s a proposal that has seven states putting their heads together to come up with one solution: how best to divvy up the water from Lake Powell into Lake Mead.
The growing problem at Lake Mead may be out of sight and out of mind for some — but not all.
Patti Aaron, public information officer with the Bureau of Reclamation, says her bureau is working closely with state tribes and water users to come up with the best solution for Lake Powell, and ultimately Lake Mead.
She says these lowering water levels are a problem that's not going away any time soon, adding that we're losing about 6 feet of elevation every month because of demands.
READ: Lake Mead levels to drop to lowest capacity since 1930s
Bronson Mack, the outreach manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, says it's a problem plaguing all states that use the Colorado River, and now specifically Lake Powell has reached a critical status.
Mack says the Department of Interior proposed that Lake Powell release less water into Lake Mead, because without the additional water left over for Lake Powell, Arizona runs the risk of being unable to produce power.
It's now up to Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, California, and Colorado to agree.
UPDATE: The Lake Powell proposal decision is in: Lake Mead will receive less water
