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Lake poowellThe second largest man -made reservoir in the US, about 7% of its potential storage capacity since 1963, has shown a new report when the Glenn Canian Dam was constructed.
In addition to water loss Intense multiear droughtUS Geological Survey and Bureau of Reclament Report receivedLake Powell suffered an average annual loss in a storage capacity of about 33,270 acres of acre or 11 billion gallons per year between 1963 and 2018.
This is enough water to fill the reflective pool about 1,600 times on the National Mall.
The capacity of the reservoir is shrinking because the sediment is flowing Colorado and San Juan riversaccording to the report. They settle in the lower part of the sediment reservoir and reduce the total amount of water that can catch the reservoir.
According to data from the Bureau of Reclament, by Monday, Lake Powell was about 25% filled.
This is bad news for the lack of water due to drought and the area that faces extreme wildfire. National ocean and atmospheric administration dried experts said that these conditions are last week Hope to continue at least – If not bad – in the coming months.
Lake Powell is an important reservoir in the Colorado River Basin. Both Lake Powell and nearby Lake Mead, the country’s largest reservoir, is drought at a dangerous rate. In August, the federal government announced the lack of water on the Colorado River for the first time after the water level of Lake Mead Drown for unprecedented climbTiggering a decrease in water consumption for states in the south -west starting in January.
And last week, Lake Powell Sinking down Millions of people in the West rely for electricity, increasing additional concerns about significant thresholds, water supply and hydroelectric production of 3,525 feet above sea level.
The importance of decreasing water supply with collorado cannot be eliminated.
The system supplies water for more than 40 million people living in seven western states and Mexico. Lake Powell and Mead rural provide a significant supply of drinking water and irrigation for many people in the entire region including farms, farms and country communities.
“It is important that we have the best scientific information like this report, which provides a clear understanding of the availability of water in the lake poly as a plan for the future,” said Tanya Trujilo, Assistant Secretary, Water and Science with the US Department of Interior. “The Colorado river system faces several challenges, including the impact of a 22 -year long drought and increased effects of climate change.”
