Human emissions drove the megadrought in the western U.S.

[OKIsItJustMe]

2. I hear you

I usually try to avoid editorializing on the science, however, it’s hard for me to imagine them successfully overcoming this.

https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/las-vegas-valleys-water-use-more-efficient-snwas-goal-is-a-10-improvement/

Las Vegas valley’s water use more efficient; SNWA’s goal is a 10% improvement
by: Greg Haas
Posted: Aug 14, 2025 / 01:06 PM PDT
Updated: Aug 14, 2025 / 01:06 PM PDT

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — So far this year, 88.3 billion gallons has been pumped from Lake Mead to the Las Vegas valley. And 47.6 billion gallons have gone back to the lake.

…

“In 2002, Southern Nevada consumed 325,000 acre-feet of water (105.9 billion gallons) – that was our highest water-use year, and it was also the year the drought was declared on the Colorado River,” Mack said.

“In response, Southern Nevada started implementing the progressive and comprehensive water conservation programs and policies in 2003. To take that a bit further, consumptive water use in our community declined by approximately 38 billion gallons between 2002 and 2024, despite the influx of approximately 829,000 new residents and nearly 42 million annual visitors during that span. The reason for that decline in water use is the community’s amazing response to conserve water,” he said.

…

The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has identified a goal: Cut water use by another 10% over the next 10 years.

…

Their accomplishment really is impressive, but, I believe, insufficient.