environment
Lake Mead Reaches Lowest Level in Its 90-Year History as Colorado River Water Supplies Tighten
Federal data show Lake Mead fell to 1,040.4 feet above sea level on August 9, 2026, the lowest point since the reservoir was first filled, edging below a 2022 record.
Why We Ran This
This story runs because it restores the frame around a number, 1,040.4 feet, that is easy to scroll past, and asks readers to consider the dignity of the millions who depend on a shrinking common re
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