InTeGrate Modules and Courses >Water Science and Society > Student Materials > Module 8.1: Cities in Peril: Dealing with Water Scarcity – History and Current Approaches > Cities In Peril: Las Vegas > Dealing With Water Scarcity: A Diversified Portfolio:
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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
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Initial Publication Date: March 31, 2017

Dealing With Water Scarcity: A Diversified Portfolio:

Due to a decades-long drought in the Colorado River system (see Sidebar: CO River Compact), water level in Lake Mead has dropped by almost 140 feet since 2000 (Figure11). This corresponds to a decrease from ~25 million acre-feet of stored water, to around 10 million acre-feet. If the lake water level drops to 1075 feet (as of Nov. 1, 2014 it is 1083 feet!), a federal shortage would be declared, triggering a reduction in Nevada and Arizona's allocations. To make matters worse, the two intakes in Lake Mead that withdraw water for Las Vegas cannot function if the lake level drops below 1050 feet (intake #1) or 1000 feet (intake #2). With the possibility of continued dry conditions, and because of their near sole dependence on Colorado River water, Las Vegas has developed a multi-pronged strategy to hedge against uncertainty due to future climate change coupled with likely increased demand due to growth and development in Clark County.

These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
Explore the Collection »