Lake Mead hits record low as Colorado River drought deepens

Lake Mead hits record low as Colorado River drought deepens

Climate

The U. S. Bureau of Reclamation reported on 8 August that Lake Mead’s water level had fallen to 1,040. 4 feet above sea level on 6 August, the lowest measurement since the reservoir was filled in 1935.

The agency said the record low underscores the deepening water shortage in the Colorado River basin. Earlier reports from AP and ABC News documented the same historic low, noting that prolonged drought and weak snowpack have reduced inflows to the reservoir. Federal officials responded by proposing short-term water-cut measures for the Colorado River states.

Actors

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Locations

Lake Mead Nevada Arizona

Articles

August 08, 2026
2 total
Lake Mead reaches lowest level in nine decades as Colorado River drought deepens
Lake Mead reaches lowest level in nine decades as Colorado River drought deepens

PBS • 08 Aug 16:07

Lake Mead fell to 1,040.4 feet above sea level, its lowest point since the reservoir was filled, highlighting ongoing water shortages in the Colorado River basin.

Credibility 78% Manip. 7% Center
Lake Mead reaches its lowest level since 1935
Lake Mead reaches its lowest level since 1935

apnews.com • 08 Aug 14:01

Lake Mead fell to 1,040.4 feet above sea level, the lowest measurement since the reservoir was filled, prompting federal officials to propose short-term water-cut measures for Colorado River states.

Credibility 78% Manip. 8% Center
August 07, 2026
3 total
Lake Mead reaches historic low as federal water-cut plan unveiled
Lake Mead reaches historic low as federal water-cut plan unveiled

USA Today • 07 Aug 19:33

Lake Mead fell to its lowest recorded elevation of 1,040.5 feet, prompting a new federal management plan that calls for water-use reductions in the Colorado River basin.

Credibility 78% Manip. 8% Center
Lake Mead reaches record low water level amid ongoing drought
Lake Mead reaches record low water level amid ongoing drought

ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • 07 Aug 14:48

Lake Mead's elevation fell to 1,040.50 feet, the lowest on record, as prolonged drought and weak snowpack reduce water supplies in the Colorado River basin.

Credibility 78% Manip. 8% Center
Lake Mead Hits Lowest Level Since 1930s Amid Ongoing Drought
Lake Mead Hits Lowest Level Since 1930s Amid Ongoing Drought

Newser • 07 Aug 13:20

Lake Mead's water surface fell to 1,040.5 feet, the lowest reading since the reservoir was filled, prompting federal officials to consider cuts to water deliveries for lower-basin states.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center

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