Lake Mead’s Record Low Affirms Need for Arizona to Work with California and Nevada to Secure Water Future

PHOENIX – May 20, 2016 - Following the news of the water level at Lake Mead hitting a record low, and a new long lead outlook from the Climate Prediction Center forecasting a drying trend in the Southwest through late spring of 2017, Kevin Moran, Senior Director of Western Water at Environmental Defense Fund,released the following statement:

“Lake Mead’s record low water level and the latest forecast of a drying trend in the Southwest over the next year are two big wakeup calls that we need to take significant action now if we’re going to secure Arizona’s water future and avoid triggering federal intervention.”

“We can no longer ignore the reality that we are overdrawing our water account. And the imbalance between demand and supply will only get worse with the ongoing drought and climate change. That’s why it’s critical that Arizona, California and Nevada continue to work together to address the looming prospect of a water shortage – so that we can solve the problem on our own terms and in a way that is flexible and fair to all who rely on the Colorado River.

“Our state has a proud tradition of innovative water management and bold conservation measures, and we will meet this challenge with the same creativity and common sense that has guided us before. We all have a role to play, and that starts with using our water wisely and expanding flexibility for water sharing agreements – so that we can protect the environment, communities and agricultural economy that depend on our finite water resources.”