A drought occurs when a region recieves less rain and snow than usual over a period of time. In Northern Nevada, we depend on Lake Tahoe for 85 % of our drinking water. Water in Lake Tahoe comes from snow melt and rain in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The remaining 15% of our drinking water is ground water.

Over the last few years, there has not been enough water to keep Lake Tahoe filled at its normal level. That means Northern Nevada is in a drought.

Since we are in a drought, we need make sure we are not being wasteful with our water. Learn ways in which you can conserve water in your own life by visiting the Water Conservation Facts page.