"If you look out two years, Lake Powell could go so low that it's essentially dry," Tom Buschatzke, who runs Arizona's water department said. "What that would mean if we hit that, is no water in the river through the Grand Canyon." Watch the full story, published HERE
Scottsdale's new Drought Management Plan indicates that a Tier 1 shortage declaration would limit water hauling to Scottsdale residents and businesses. Scottsdale has notified us that water hauling will be limited to Scottsdale residents/businesses effective 12/31/2022 per PRESS RELEASE.
In August 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officially declared a Tier 1 for 2022. Meanwhile, Scottsdale is being a great neighbor by providing water for hauling in 2022 while we work on obtaining approval of our proposed District.
A Tier 2 has been declared for declared for 2023 which has prompted Scottsdale's limit on water hauling .
The US Bureau of Reclamation 24 Month Study released 11/2022 show a Tier 3 for 2024.
Lake Mead Elevations that determine each Tier:
Tier 1: 1,075'
Tier 2: 1,050'
Tier 3: 1,025'
ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION CEASES: 950'
(Electricity for 1.3 MILLION people.)
DEAD POOL: 895'
Monthly 24-Month Study Reports present hydrological descriptions and projected operations for the Colorado River system reservoirs for the next two years. The 24-Month Study Report is a combination of a write up of recent, current and potential future operations and a listing of the 24-Month Study computer model output. The 24-Month Study computer model projects future reservoir conditions and potential dam operations for the system reservoirs given existing reservoir conditions; inflow forecasts and projections; and a variety of operational policies and guidelines. Monthly reservoir inflow forecasts and projections are produced by the National Weather Service, Colorado Basin River Forecast Center .
Based on the November 2022 report, a Tier 3 is indicated for 2024.