Save Lake Mead from ‘human intransigence’ in 9 steps, coalition says
Summary
A coalition of non-governmental organisations released a report titled “There’s No Water Available” that warns the Colorado River system is approaching collapse unless states act now. The report sets out nine practical recommendations — from stopping new dams to stabilising groundwater — and singles out Upper Basin states for continuing to plan projects that would draw more water. Authors call for greater transparency, better data on flows and evaporation, protection for tribes and endangered species, and fixes to Glen Canyon Dam plumbing that could affect deliveries to the Lower Basin.
Key Points
- The report lays out nine immediate actions to avoid a systemic collapse of the Colorado River.
- Upper Basin states (Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming) are criticised for planning projects that could consume over 1 million acre-feet.
- Recommendation 1: Forgo new dams and diversions; stop adding demand when supplies are shrinking.
- Recommendation 2: All states must have curtailment plans to manage mandatory cuts fairly.
- Recommendation 3: The proposed “natural flow” release plan needs better data on evaporation and losses to work reliably.
- Recommendation 4: Alter Glen Canyon Dam operations/plumbing to protect deliveries for roughly 25 million people.
- Other actions: prioritise tribal water rights, scale municipal reuse and conservation, make farms more resilient, protect endangered species and stabilise groundwater.
- Authors argue these steps are achievable without major legal changes but require cross‑basin cooperation and public engagement.
- Interior Secretary may step in if states don’t reach agreement by federal deadlines, but federal action could trigger lengthy legal challenges.
Context and Relevance
Lake Mead and the broader Colorado River system supply water and power for tens of millions across seven U.S. states and Mexico. Years of drought, low snowpack and warming have cut supplies; policymakers are grappling with how to apportion ever-smaller volumes without catastrophic impacts to cities, agriculture and tribal communities. The report connects immediate operational fixes (Glen Canyon Dam work, better loss accounting) with policy shifts (no new diversions, curtailment rules) and highlights the political stalemate between Upper and Lower Basin states.
Why should I read this
Quick and useful: if you live in the Colorado River region or follow water policy, this gives you the nine plain‑English steps NGOs say can stop a looming crisis. It’s not just alarmism — it’s a practical checklist of things officials can do now, plus who’s blocking them. Read it to know what to expect at upcoming talks and why your water bill, farms and wildlife are all on the line.