How much water is estimated to be lost to evaporation from the Roosevelt Lake Reservoir each year?

The estimation that about 6 feet of water is lost to evaporation from the Roosevelt Lake Reservoir each year reflects the significant impact of evaporative processes in warm, arid climates like that of Arizona. The evaporative loss is influenced by several factors, including high temperatures, low humidity, and direct sunlight, all of which contribute to more substantial evaporation rates.

Understanding the context of evaporation is crucial. In regions with high temperatures and low precipitation, water bodies can experience considerable evaporation, leading to a marked decrease in water levels. Roosevelt Lake, being a substantial water source within a desert environment, experiences these conditions yearly, resulting in the estimated 6-foot loss. This figure emphasizes the ongoing challenges in water management, particularly in balancing water supply with evaporation rates in dry regions.

Given the nature of the climate and environmental conditions surrounding Roosevelt Lake, the estimate aligns well with scientific observations and studies conducted on similar reservoirs in comparable climates.