Megadrought: Lake Powell business owners say there’s still a lot to do on the lake
The mega-drought gripping the Southwest means water levels at Lake Powell are low. As of August 29, the lake is at 26 percent capacity. But local business owners say the lake still has a lot to do. FOX 10’s Steve Nielsen reports.
Phoenix – Lake Powell, currently at 26 percent capacity, looks so different than it did three years ago that the effects of the current mega-drought cannot be easily explained.
Low water levels aside, small businesses that depend on the lake are still trying to figure out if there is water.
“Everyone here is open for business,” said Judy Franz with the Page-Lake Powell Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s like being on a different planet. It’s still amazing the way it is now. You can get to a lot of those canyons. It’s a little difficult to get to them,” Jared Brady said. with Powell Adventure Rentals.
The constant news of mega-drought and low water levels has created more problems for small businesses on the lake. For those who make their living on the lake, they say the picture of low water levels in Lake Powell was particularly dire as it felt like there was no water in the lake.
“The rock painting alone is horrible,” Franz said.
Franz said they are constantly fighting over the state of the lake.
“People have canceled their reservations from various hotels because they think there is no water here,” Franz said. “There is water and it is still a beautiful lake.”
Molly Steffens with Powell Adventure Rentals People call all the time to cancel because they think the lake is dry.
“We’re definitely down, reservations are down,” Stephens said. “Yes, we’re lower, but we have a big lake. Still a lot to see, a lot to offer. Yes, it’s changed, but it hasn’t changed in the way people put it in there or perceive it. It’s still a lot of lake.”
In fact, as of August 29, the water level in Lake Powell is 10 feet higher than it was in the spring.
Meanwhile, local businesses are looking forward to the Labor Day weekend, and hoping Arizonans will consider visiting.
Also Read: Arizona cities are taking steps to help conserve water during the drought: Here’s what you need to know.
