Rising Temperatures in Lake Mead Pose Threat to Water Systems and Hydropower
Rising Temperatures in Lake Mead Pose Threat to Water Systems and Hydropower
US · Published Feb 10, 2026
Lake Mead's rising temperatures, driven by drought and climate change, threaten local water treatment systems.
Warmer water from Lake Powell exacerbates the temperature issues in Lake Mead, impacting 40 million people reliant on the Colorado River system.
Projected temperature increases of 10.8°F (6°C) in Lake Mead's inflows will challenge water treatment and hydropower generation at Hoover Dam.
Lake Mead's rising temperatures threaten water, hydropower
Lake Mead, a critical reservoir in southern Nevada, is facing increasing surface temperatures due to the combined effects of prolonged drought and ongoing climate change. This temperature rise is putting significant strain on local water treatment systems and posing a considerable risk to the generation of hydropower at the Hoover Dam.
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