Supply and Demand

Water is an issue in Las Vegas? Why should this surprise anyone?

Las Vegas is built in the middle of a desert and it has to bring water in via pipelines from Lake Mead and other sources.

Should it surprise anyone that Las Vegas might suffer from a water crunch when in a drought period? Should it surprise anyone that the supply of water has not kept pace with the fastest growing city in the country?

It shouldn't.

Yet, experts are now sounding the alarm that the water crunch in the Desert Southwest is going to affect Las Vegas and that action needs to be taken sooner rather than later so that the water continues to flow.

Las Vegas is an artificial city. It was built in the middle of the desert and the glittering skyline is a mirage of opulence and bountiful pleasures, including sprawling fountains, lush gardens, golf courses, and homes with grass lawns. All those actions have consequences - namely straining the water supply. Lake Mead water levels have dropped significantly over the past few years as rains and snow upstream have not replenished the reservoir. That means that the intake pipes for Las Vegas may soon be exposed and unable to bring in water. A project to build a new intake is in the works, but alternative sources have to be found. Conservation is insufficient to meet the growing demand.