LETTER: Doesn’t more local housing mean more water use?

Robert Holzlohner Las Vegas

2 years ago

Current water levels on Lake Mead for the upcoming accumulation projections can be seen well fr ... — Current water levels on Lake Mead for the upcoming accumulation projections can be seen well from the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge above the Hoover Dam on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal @benjaminhphoto

With regard to your Aug. 13 article, “Population surge”: You report a demand for more affordable housing. But how does this projected increase in housing jibe with the decrease in Lake Mead water levels? How will more housing not cause the water level to decrease at a faster rate?

Much has been reported about water restrictions in Southern Nevada and upcoming water restrictions for Western states. But we are also talking about building more housing units. Can someone please explain how more housing can be built with continuing diminished Lake Mead water levels?