Lake Mead First: A Drastic Solution for a Drastic Problem?

Lake Mead First: A Drastic Solution for a Drastic Problem?

Lake Mead and Lake Powell are the two largest reservoirs in the United States, but they have been suffering from a regional drought for years.

The dwindling water supply is creating serious problems for the seven states that rely on the Colorado River for water.

Now, officials are backing a drastic proposal to save Lake Mead: drain Lake Powell.

Yes, draining Lake Powell to save the Lake Mead.

The Fill Mead First proposal would construct tunnels for the Colorado River to completely bypass the Glen Canyon Dam, which formed Lake Powell in 1963.

This would allow the Colorado River to flow directly into Lake Mead, which is currently at its lowest level since 1937.

The Glen Canyon Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring Glen Canyon, is the main proponent of the Fill Mead First proposal.

They argue that the Glen Canyon Dam is an environmental disaster that has caused widespread damage to the Colorado River ecosystem.

However, the Fill Mead First proposal is not without its critics.

The Blue Ribbon Coalition opposes the proposal, arguing that it would destroy Lake Powell and the surrounding recreation area.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has also expressed reservations about the Fill Mead First proposal, saying that it is not a viable solution to the water crisis in the Colorado River Basin.

Despite the opposition, the Fill Mead First proposal is gaining popularity among some officials and water experts.

As the water crisis in the Colorado River Basin worsens, it is likely that the proposal will continue to be debated in the coming years.

What to expect next:

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is expected to release a draft plan for managing the Colorado River Basin in 2023.

The plan is likely to include a variety of measures to address the water crisis, including conservation, desalination, and water transfers.

It is unclear whether the Fill Mead First proposal will be included in the Bureau of Reclamation's draft plan.

However, the proposal is likely to be a major topic of discussion in the coming months.

If you are concerned about the water crisis in the Colorado River Basin, there are a number of things you can do:

– Conserve water in your own home and business. – Support policies that promote water conservation and efficiency.

– Get involved in your local community and advocate for sustainable water management practices. – Stay informed about the latest developments in the Colorado River Basin water crisis.

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