City Cast Las Vegas logo
April 27, 2026

Federal Regulators Cut Lake Mead Water. Can Vegas Handle It?

City Cast Las Vegas

Federal Regulators Cut Lake Mead Water. Can Vegas Handle It?

00:00:00
View all City Cast Las Vegas episodes

Last week, facing one of the worst snowpacks on record, federal water regulators took an emergency step that would divert huge amounts of water to Lake Powell. The move will preserve the reservoir’s ability to generate power and avoid nearing deadpool – at the cost of dramatically cutting water to Lake Mead, likely sending the lake to its lowest level ever and cutting power output from Hoover Dam later this year. But if the water picture is so dire, why can’t Western states agree on mutual cuts? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, SNWA General Manager John Entsminger joins host Jesse Merrick to discuss how the aging Law of the River is colliding with a modern climate. 

If you enjoyed this interview with TaskRabbit's software engineer, Cody Goeken, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, April 27th episode:

TEDxLasVegas

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.

For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.

Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Las Vegas

Stay connected to City Cast Las Vegas and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
August 7

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas

As much as you love Las Vegas, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have com...

City Cast Las Vegas podcast episode art
August 6

Can Lombardo Fix Nevada's Affordability Problem? Plus, Airbnb Crackdowns and Chinatown Hot Spots

Gov. Joe Lombardo says he can't control Nevada's affordability crisis, but is that actually true, or is he ducking responsibility? Then,...

City Cast Las Vegas podcast episode art
August 5

Metro Defends Flock Cameras, Nevada Faces Steep Water Cuts, and Can Mendoza Save the Raiders?

Las Vegas Metro Sheriff Kevin McMahill is defending the department's use of license plate reader cameras across the valley, even as a nat...

City Cast Las Vegas podcast episode art
August 4

Trump Returns to Vegas, the Consequences of School Choice, and Our Latest Vegas Fixations

President Trump is heading back to Las Vegas to promote his "no tax on tips" policy, but did it actually make a difference for the servic...

City Cast Las Vegas podcast episode art
August 3

A Mid-Year Review of Vegas' Best New Restaurants

The local dining scene in Las Vegas continues to explode, so what are some of the best new restaurants that opened in 2026? Host Jesse Me...

City Cast Las Vegas podcast episode art
August 2

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas

Do you know how zoning laws affect Las Vegas’ housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made i...

City Cast Las Vegas podcast episode art
July 31

The Hottest Weekend of the Year, Data Center Battles, and Good News Friday

Las Vegas is bracing for temperatures up to 117 degrees this weekend, and with nearly 30 heat-related deaths already recorded in Clark Co...

City Cast Las Vegas podcast episode art
July 30

Your Guide to August 2026 in Las Vegas

August is here, and as the mercury keeps rising, we're kicking off our monthly guide with the best tips to beat the record-breaking heat...

City Cast Las Vegas podcast episode art
July 29

A Vegas Loop Station at the Airport? Plus, Protecting DACA Recipients, and Buying the Runnin' Rebels

Talks are underway to extend the Vegas Loop tunnel system directly into Harry Reid International Airport, so would that finally make the...

City Cast Las Vegas podcast episode art
July 28

Population Growth Slows, Nevada Snubbed in 2028 Election, and Underrated Outdoor Spaces

Clark County's population growth is slowing dramatically; a new UNLV forecast projects the county won't hit 3 million residents until 205...

City Cast Las Vegas podcast episode art