The record-breaking drought throughout the Western U.S. is affecting hydropower production and further drops in water levels could catalyze greater impacts across the region, underlining the interdependencies of water and power production. Water levels at Lake Powell, the reservoir supplying the 1,320-megawatt Glen Canyon Dam, are at historic lows. And if conditions continue to worsen, the dam could stop producing electricity which would impact around 3 million customers who rely partially on the dam for power generation. Furthermore, the Colorado River, which is another source of water for many dams in the region, is also being severely affected by the drought. Indeed, as of this month, around 90 percent of the Western U.S. is experiencing a moderate drought or worse, according to the US Drought Monitor.

The 22-year drought has decreased the amount of energy produced in the Lake Powell area by 13.1 percent compared to the average annual energy production in the 12 years preceding it from 1988 to 1999. “It is difficult to predict actual impacts beyond 2023, but this trend is anticipated to continue,” said Becki Bryant, a public affairs officer at United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR). Moreover, the Hoover Dam’s normal operating capacity is around 2,074 megawatts, but it is currently at 1,500 megawatts, a decrease of around 25 percent.

To combat this issue, several solutions are being explored. Developing greater battery capacity to store energy produced at the Dams for later use, is one solution that scientists are actively working to achieve. Additionally, using solar powered pumps to bring water at the bottom to the top of the dam to run through the turbines again, is also being studied. “Protecting the elevations of Lake Mead and Lake Powell remains a top priority while working collaboratively with the Basin States and water managers toward solutions to protect the vitality of the Colorado River,” Bryant emphasized. Read more at ARSTechnica.