Editorial: Lake Mead in need of long-range plan

Thursday, Aug. 19, 1999 | 11:07 a.m.

In 1998 a summit at Lake Tahoe, which included President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, resulted in a 10-year strategy to restore the lake's stunning blue clarity, which has declined rapidly in recent years. While all of the funding pieces of the puzzle still have yet to be found, the fact is this partnership involving all levels of government is an important step to help save this national treasure.

Now state Sen. Jon Porter, R-Boulder City, who is considering a bid for Congress, believes a similar 10-year plan should be duplicated at Lake Mead, but this effort would focus on the lake's source as drinking water for valley residents. As the Sun's Mary Manning noted in a story Wednesday, a primary concern is the water from the Las Vegas Wash that flows into Lake Mead. A plume of pollution -- consisting of insecticides, chemicals and bacteria -- has appeared in the wash where it intersects with the lake. So far the water quality hasn't been affected, but scientists are concerned enough to be studying this. A coordinated, energetic approach involving all the agencies that play a role in preserving the lake's vital role for Southern Nevada is long overdue.