The water level at Lake Powell is only at 27% capacity, and downstream, Lake Mead’s capacity is currently at 29%. This data comes from the Bureau of Reclamation’s measurements that were published on June 7.

Las Vegas’ KLAS news reports that this is the first time since it was filled in the 1930s that Lake Mead’s water level has dropped to less than 30%.

Last fall, a first-ever federal water shortage was declared, triggering cuts to Lower Basin states this year.  It is expected that there will be further cuts.

Image Source:

[Wikimedia Commons] Lake Powell at sunrise, looking southwest from Navajo Point on the Kaiparowits Plateau. The Dangling Rope Marina is visible in the shadows at the bottom of the picture. Photo uploaded in October 2007 by G. Thomas.