Water in Las Vegas

A Milestone in Water Governance

• Enacted in 1922, this compact has served as a pivotal force in shaping regional water policies and management for nearly a century.
• However, in retrospect, it becomes evident that the agreement inadvertently over allocated 16.4 million acre-feet (MAF) of water resources.
• Presently, we have come to realize that the average annual yield of the river hovers closer to 14 million acre-feet (MAF).
• Consequently, this overallocation has resulted in a strain on the water levels of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, triggering concerns and challenges in their sustenance. 

• The primary destinations of the Colorado River water encompass major metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Denver.
• These areas rely on the river water as a source of drinking water, catering to the needs of a significant population. 
• The Colorado River serves as a crucial resource for hydroelectric power generation, supplying water to numerous power plants that produce electricity to meet the energy demands of the surrounding regions. 
• Moreover, a portion of the river's flow is allocated for environmental conservation efforts, ensuring the sustenance of vital habitats and ecosystems along its course, notably including the Grand Canyon and its adjacent riparian areas.