At present, Lake Mead’s surface is 1,106 feet above sea level. That’s uncomfortably close to the first intake, or "straw," which becomes inoperable if the lake sinks to 1,050 feet. The second straw is another 50 feet below that. The third straw will draw from the lake at 860 feet above sea level … a comfortable buffer against the rationing measures that would kick in if the first and second straws were to have to shut down. This year, Lake Mead is expected to fall to 1,086 feet. At that pace, if it continues, water rationing will begin in 2015 and the first straw will be above the surface some time in 2016.
The "third straw" is presently a bit more than halfway done – 56% -- and on schedule for a summer of 2015 opening. Engineers have tunneled 7,981 feet and have 6,953 feet to go, working at a current rate of just 30 feet a day in dangerously humid and unstable conditions that have already seen one death. The concrete-lined tunnel will be 20 feet in diameter, necessitating the removal of 360,000 cubic yards of rock and soil. Those interested in further information about the tunnel are encouraged to call the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s public information officer, Bronson Mack, at (702) 822-8543 or e-mail him at [email protected].
