Californians reliant on the Colorado River have saved over 1.2 million acre-feet of water in just two years, potentially raising Lake Mead’s water levels by an estimated 16 feet. This achievement, announced by the Colorado River Board of California on Wednesday, is a significant achievement given the worsening crisis unfolding along the Colorado River and its reservoirs. An acre foot is a commonly used term in water management. It equates to the volume required to cover an acre of land with one foot of water—approximately 326,000 gallons. The progress stems from a series of conservation agreements implemented in 2023 and 2024.

Related articles:

• Las Vegas Review-Journal: California water savings could return 16 feet to Lake Mead, officials say
• Nevada Current: California conservation efforts have raised Lake Mead by 16-feet in two years, regulators say 
• The Desert Review: CA water users add 1.2 million acre-feet of water in just two years to Lake Mead