New predictions from the United States government provide a grim picture of the effects of the drought-stricken Colorado River.
The Bureau of Rehabilitation, which will help determine the water management plan, found that the drought in the Colorado River Basin hit Lake Paul and Lake Med “at very low altitudes.”
The forecast shows that Lake Med, which is used to determine the amount of river water that some states receive from the river basin, has a 66 percent chance.
Meanwhile, after 2022, Lake Paul has a 25 to 35 percent chance of falling below the basin. With a 3 percent chance of doing so, the lake will fail to generate hydroelectric power by July 2022. .
“The recent outlook for Lake Paul is a major concern,” said Wayne ul-Lane, director of Rekemmy’s Upper Colorado Basin. This underscores the importance of continuing to work with the riparian states, tribes and other partners to find solutions.
The total capacity of the Colorado River reservoir is currently 39 percent, down from 49 percent last year.
The bureau announced the first shortfall in August to the Colorado River, which will receive small water supplies to Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico next year.
Jacqueline Gold, Regional Director of Reiki County Lower Colorado Basin, said: Preparation for further action to maintain elevations on these reservoirs remains a priority and focus.
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