• $284.8 million allocated for conservation projects.
• Aims to save 492,531 acre-feet of water overall.
• Collaboration spans Nevada and California agencies.
• Goal is to sustain the Colorado River Basin for all.

January 13, 2025 — Lake Mead just gained a significant lifeline. On Friday, the Bureau of Reclamation announced a $284.8 million investment through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The funding, drawn from the Inflation Reduction Act, is intended to conserve a combined 492,531 acre-feet of Colorado River water and bolster Lake Mead’s stability.

“These investments through the Lower Colorado Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program, are yielding hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of water savings,” said Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton. “Thanks to historic resources provided through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are advancing essential water infrastructure projects that mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and safeguard communities in the Colorado River Basin.”

Partnership Details.

Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA):
SNWA’s project will receive $60 million to transition over 23 million square feet of water-heavy lawns into more efficient landscapes. This conversion is expected to save 189,635 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead, a crucial regional reservoir.

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD):
MWD will broaden its existing Regional Turf Replacement Program, converting approximately 30 million square feet of non-functional turf into water-friendly landscaping. This initiative is estimated to conserve 97,296 acre-feet of water.  In another effort with Antelope Valley–East Kern Water Agency, MWD will strategically store surplus State Water Project supplies in the California Aqueduct. The stored water can be pumped back into the aqueduct during dry seasons, accounting for an additional 168,000 acre-feet of conservation.  A third MWD project, slated for final agreement next week, will direct $8 million toward leak detection and repairs, particularly in disadvantaged communities. This plan is projected to conserve another 4,000 acre-feet of water and ease household expenses.

Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD):
CVWD will construct a facility to blend recycled water and canal water for large-scale agricultural use. The new 1-million-gallon-per-day tertiary facility promises 33,600 acre-feet of water savings in Lake Mead, delivering a more resilient supply for farmers in the area.

The Biden-Haris Administration’s Philosophy.

The Biden-Harris administration continues to focus on making Western communities more resilient to drought, wildfire, and other climate-related pressures. Federal agencies aim to support sustainable water management across the region through programs like the Lower Colorado River Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program. By working hand in hand with water users and local districts, Reclamation hopes these investments will strengthen the Colorado River Basin’s future for everyone who relies on it.

Image:

The Historic Railroad Hiking Trail in Nevada overlooks Lake Mead, December 2019, by Julianibarra.  Licensed under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

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