Warmer water in Lake Mead risks vital operations

By: Jeniffer Solis

Outlets: Nevada Current

Published: February 5, 2026

Words: 828

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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Rising water temperatures across the Colorado River and its reservoirs are creating new challenges for water treatment operations in Lake Mead and hydropower production at Hoover Dam.

Extended drought and climate change has steadily increased surface temperatures in Lake Mead. In the past, the Nevada reservoir could depend on cooler water being delivered from upstream Lake Powell, but as Lake Powell shrinks, warmer surface water is moving through Glen Canyon Dam and into Lake Mead.

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