The Surface Project

Sunset colors the skies and waters of Lake Mohave.

What is The Surface Project?

The trillions of gallons of water in Lake Mead and Lake Mohave offer not only a place for recreation and a home for plants and animals, but also a critical water source for millions of people in the Southwest. Because this water is so important, people from dozens of organizations and agencies are constantly monitoring its quality and availability. The Surface Project is an exciting online resource that brings the stories and science within these lakes to the surface.

 

The Stories

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  Drought

  In June 2016, Lake Mead’s water level reached a record low, but how does this affect those who depend on its water?

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  Water Source

  The trillions of gallons of water that fill our lakes have traveled hundreds of miles, and this journey begins with a snowflake.

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  Water Use

  Water is a basic necessity. How do the lakes provide clean, healthy water for two million residents and 43 million visitors each year?

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  Algae

  The lakes' entire ecosystem relies on an inhabitant so small that it can barely be seen with the naked eye.

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  Hydrology

  The water in the lakes is constantly moving, mixing from top to bottom and basin to basin, distributing food as well as contaminants.

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  Sport Fish

  Each year, millions of people flock to the lakes, in no small part because of their finned residents like striped bass and catfish.

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  Native Fish

  One of the lakes' strangest-looking inhabitants – a type of fish called the razorback sucker – is also one of their most endangered species.

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  Food Web

  From birds to fish to algae, all the lakes' species are interconnected. But who eats who, and why does it matter?

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  Studying The Lake

  The lakes are like outdoor laboratories where researchers study everything from microscopic processes to big questions about safe water.

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  Invasive Species

  A tiny troublemaker has invaded the lakes, and it's no easy task to keep these unwanted guests under control.

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  Contaminants

  Even the cleanest water contains things other than water. Find out about the quality of the water you drink, swim in and fish from.

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  Geology

  The outstanding rock formations that surround lakes Mead and Mohave tell the story of spectacular geologic events.

 

Is it safe to swim in lakes Mead and Mohave?

Lakes Mead and Mohave are extensively monitored for indicators related to water quality, and by all indicators related to human health, the water is very safe for swimming. Waters here have been measured by standards applied by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to assess the recreational quality of lakes across the country, with lakes Mead and Mohave waters found to be well within the good range. More...

 

• A kayak adventure on Lake Mohave

• The Colorado River brings in water

• Water skiing as the sun sets

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Healthy Lakes - Healthy Lives

Since the lakes are such an important resource, residents and visitors alike have lots of questions about how healthy they are. Healthy Lakes – Healthy Lives answers these questions in an easy-to-read format, bringing together information from multiple sources to address the overall condition of lakes Mead and Mohave’s ecosystem.

Continue to FAQs

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Surface Project