In order to address unprecedented drought conditions and provide long-term protection of Southern Nevada’s primary water storage reservoir—Lake Mead— the Southern Nevada Water Authority constructed a third drinking water intake capable of drawing upon Colorado River water at lake elevations below 1,000 feet (above sea level).
The high-volume, low lake level pumping station and Lake Mead Intake No. 3 will provide the community continued access to its primary water supply even as lake levels fluctuate as a result of the ongoing drought. The $650-million project broke ground in mid 2015 and is scheduled for completion in 2020.