Lake Powell—the second largest manmade lake in existence—spans 185.5 miles from Southern Utah into Northern Arizona. Its formation began in the 1960s through the creation of the Glen Canyon Dam which forces water from the Colorado River into Lake Powell. In 1980, the lake hit full capacity, but that didn’t last long.

When the year 2000 came, a megadrought, the worst in 1200 years, began. Not only are we still in this drought, but it isn’t projected to get any better for at least another decade. And our overuse hasn’t helped the situation. As we accelerate the lowering levels of bodies like the Great Salt Lake, we make heavy snowfall less likely. This feeds into a vicious cycle of more and more depletion without ample replenishment. All of this in mind, Lake Powell’s situation is pretty grim. As of 2022, the water level had dropped to 3,519.01 feet and was expected to hit dead pool levels by about 2027.

Recreation

Since its formation, Lake Powell has become a haven for water-loving Utahans and Arizonans. Hundreds of companies have built their brands around Lake Powell recreation and its massive industry draws almost three million visitors a year. Many families go to the lake annually and see the lake almost as a close family friend. People take their boats out to Lake Powell for wake surfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, knee boarding, tubing, and just spending time with their families. But lowering water levels threaten many of these activities. Lake Powell activists fight for measures that will conserve water, allowing for the Powell water level to reach an optimal 3,588 feet—which would maximize the lake’s recreational potential.

Purpose

But beyond the recreational industry of Powell, the lake serves functions that can mean life or death. Lake Powell provides water to the lower basin states (Arizona, California, and Nevada) and keeps the Glen Canyon Dam alive. Earlier, I used the term dead pool. It refers to a body of water with levels that aren’t high enough to produce hydroelectricity. If that were to happen, Glen Canyon Dam, which produces energy for seven western states, would cease functioning.

The Thick of it

Based on the context above, you’d think everyone would be gung-ho about saving Lake Powell, right? Wrong. There is so much more to this than first meets the eye. It was controversial at its genesis and has only become more controversial.

Historical Roots

It all starts with the location itself. Powell’s waters bury a treasure trove of prehistoric Native American ruins and artifacts. In the earlier 1900s (before the Glen Canyon Dam was created), many wished to protect this area as a national park. But their efforts clearly failed. Some now argue that since Lake Powell has been around for a while, the historical sites are likely too eroded to be of much value anymore, but many hold out hope that if the water were to be removed that the sites would still be mostly intact. Herein lies a portion of the “Drain Lake Powell” crowd.

Water Loss

However, the historical significance is not the primary argument for draining the lake. There’s another problem with the placement of Lake Powell—it’s smack dab in the middle of a desert. Because it’s a lake in a place where a lake doesn’t belong, Lake Powell loses approximately 860,000 AF of water to evaporation and bank absorption every year. That’s six percent of the Colorado River water going to waste. From this angle, many argue that it’d be more efficient to allow all the water from the river to fill Lake Mead.

What Should We Do?

This begs the question: if we put recreational purposes aside, is there good reason not to drain Lake Powell? Yes. While there are considerable arguments for draining it, there are significant arguments against it. If we drain Lake Powell, we’ll have to rewrite the western water allotment agreements, leading to lengthy negotiations and a lot of interstate tension. If we drain Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam will stop producing hydroelectric power. We’d likely have to replace the output with nonrenewable energy, heightening other issues such as pollution. And if we drain Lake Powell, a half a billion-dollar industry will shut down. Not to mention that we would lose all local businesses unrelated to but reliant on lake goers as well as all economic traffic Powell inspires nationally.

We are left with an annoying conclusion: it’s a huge, complicated mess. But there’s good news. For now, Lake Powell is still alive and we’re not to the point of no return quite yet.

A Glimmer of Hope

If you are a Utahan, you may have noticed the crazy amount of snowfall we got over the winter. The snowmelt runoff led to Lake Powell’s water level peaking at 3584.68 on July 8th, where it was at 3539.44 on the same day last year. We haven’t gotten that kind of snow in almost fifty years!

But, while the heavy winter bought us some time, we’re still not out of the red. The megadrought is still at large and Lake Powell’s head is still on the chopping block. We need to be careful and take special measures to take advantage of the higher water level. Powell would need about a decade worth of winters as wet as our last one to fully regain its optimal water levels, and we all know that isn’t happening.

Future Steps

Since that peak in July, the water level began to decrease in small increments, but it has now mostly plateaued. While a large part of that decrease was due to outflows mandated by the Colorado River 2007 Interim Guidelines, some of it just boils down to the time of year. The late summer months are hot and the last of the snowpack eventually melts away.

We’ve had a good year, but having enough water out here is an uphill battle. Admittedly, we can’t do much on an individual level about most of the water consumption in the West, but we can yield every bit of power we do have. So, while we should use our water responsibly as individuals, making sure to support legislation that regulates water usage in an ethical way is where we can make a larger impact. Then, hopefully, we can continue to enjoy the beautiful Lake Powell for years to come.

To keep updated on what’s happening with Lake Powell and get involved in helping to raise the water levels, check out @powellheadz on Instagram!

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Liquid Lumens, an industry leader in advancing marine LED lighting technology, has announced an exclusive partnership with one of Utah’s oldest marine suppliers, Marine Products, that will offer premium lighting solutions to Utah boaters who want to surf, board, ski, and tube longer! This partnership makes Marine Products the premiere Liquid Lumens authorized dealer for Northern Utah. This includes exclusive re-sale and distribution rights to sell and install Liquid Lumens products on new and used boats in Utah County, Salt Lake County, Summit County, Davis County, Weber County, Tooela County and Wasatch County.

Marine Products has been providing cutting-edge products and unparalleled service to the Utah boating market for more than 40 years. Their continued success is grounded in a legacy that boasts some of the world’s most innovative powerboats, including waterski, wakeboard, wakesurf, and sport-fishing boats — and everything in between.

In partnering with Liquid Lumens, both new and used boats of any brand will benefit from the patent-pending, high-powered “Lumen-Boost” Technology that makes it possible to enhance your time on the water with friends and family like never before. Come see us at the 2019 Utah Boat Show from February 7-10, or visit our shop at Marine Products 949 W. 1700 S. Salt Lake City, Utah, 84104, to see what we can do to enhance your boating season!

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Why Liquid Lumens?

The World’s Most Advanced Underwater Lights: Featuring “Lumen-Boost” Technology

When you’re looking for the best marine LED lighting products for your new or used boat, Liquid Lumens will provide unparalleled technology and performance that are sure to impress you. From fishing and surfing to wakeboarding or entertaining, your boating needs will be met by the most powerful, advanced marine lighting technology available today. Picky about colors? No problem! Liquid Lumens has a robust product lineup that comes in multiple colors, and their products even have a full RGBW color spectrum light kit, capable of producing 16 different color combinations, giving you more options to match your boat’s individual style.

The Technology

What differentiates Liquid Lumens from the competition? As a pioneer in the marine LED lighting market, Liquid Lumens has developed their own proprietary technology. It begins by taking the best elements of LED lighting and joining them with highly-advanced engineering and manufacturing processes from the aerospace industry. From there, Liquid Lumens applies their 3-step “Lumen-Boost” technology process to achieve a high level of quality and performance in both lumen output and candela rating that, until recently, was simply not possible.

Step 1: Increase Available Power

The first step in creating the world’s best underwater lights begins with the Power Supply Box. It uses a pair of drivers designed to boost your boat’s standard 12V power supply. This process results in a higher output (either 25V or 34V depending on the LED color). This higher voltage means a more powerful LED can be installed.

Step 2: Add Higher Performance LEDs

The next step in creating the world’s best underwater lights is to put the higher voltage created in Step 1 to work. We use more powerful underwater LEDs than the ones that typical 12V systems can support. A more powerful LED means more lumens. And more lumens means more light — a lot more light!

Step 3: Focus The Light

The third step of the process involves aiming this more intense source light through a borosilicate glass focusing lens that results in more concentrated, high-output lighting. This light-focusing process increases the amount of light directed to where you want to use it, while simultaneously reducing wasted peripheral light.

Where Can I See A Demo of The System?

When it comes to lighting, seeing is believing. Liquid Lumens will be joining Marine Products at the 2019 Utah Boat Show from February 7-10! Stop by to see us and check out the Liquid Lumens display. You can learn more about Liquid Lumens by visiting their website at www.liquidlumens.com.

Get Your Liquid Lumens at Marine Products in Salt Lake City!

Marine Products only partners with the most innovative, technologically-advanced companies in the marine industry. When we got our hands on a set of Liquid Lumens, we were sold. We couldn’t believe how much brighter and clearer the Liquid Lumens system was compared to other lights on the market. The equation is simple: More powerful light = more time on the lake, more time riding, and a better all-around experience.

Make Your Fishing Buddies Green With Envy

Liquid Lumens’ products are ideal for fishing boats too! Did you know that one or two LED lights in a fixed color of green on the back of the boat not only provide in-water illumination, but they can actually attract fish? You can also choose Liquid Lumens Top-Side Lights, a dual LED strip light, available in a variety of colors and lengths, to suit your unique boat and needs. This dimmable LED strip can help illuminate fishing lines off the side of the boat, while fishing at night, or in low-light situations. In the future, we will work with Liquid Lumens to create and test LED strips on the front side of the bow for docking, or forward-facing illumination, for the dock, trailering, or beach applications.

Where Can I Purchase a Set of Liquid Lumens?

Liquid Lumens’ advanced marine lighting will only be available in-store at Marine Products and at www.marine-products.com. The service team at Marine Products is a group of fully-certified Liquid Lumens installers and can have your new lighting installed in no time. You can also purchase a set of Liquid Lumens for your boat at this year’s Utah Boat Show & Watersports Expo! Liquid Lumens will be located inside the Marine Products booth with full lighting demos so you can be sure you’re making the best lighting choices that ensure brighter adventures ahead.

Visit www.liquidlumens.com to learn more.

Visit www.marine-products.com to learn more.

About Liquid Lumens

Liquid Lumens is an industry leader in offering a full product lineup of innovative marine LED lights equipped with our patent-pending “Lumen-Boost” Technology. In utilizing high-voltage LED installations that produce concentrated, high-output lighting, we deliver optimal marine lighting experiences. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Liquid Lumens designs products and technologies that deliver next-level experiences — wherever you enjoy life.

About Marine Products

Marine Products Pro Shop has been in business since 1971 and is the original water sport pro shop located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Marine Products has become one of the top Supra & Moomba boat dealers in the county. Customer service, inventory selection, honesty, and our Knowledgeable Sales Staff has made us the top water sport pro shop in the states.

The post Liquid Lumens Launches Exclusive Partnership With Marine Products appeared first on Liquid Lumens.