Nearly Half Of All Colorado River Water Feeds Cows: Study

The next time you order a hamburger, you may want to keep an eye on the Colorado River water levels. A new study says they have uncovered the top destination of the rapidly drying river water goes to feeding cows.

The study, led by Sustainable Waters president and water conservation expert Brian Richter, sought to discover where exactly all this water is going. After all, the river used to stretch all the way down to the Pacific Ocean. Now what is left is barely a trickle, with Lake Mead and Powell sinking to dangerously low levels.

When you sink your teeth into a juicy burger, you aren't thinking of a jug of water. But maybe you should.

What the study found was that nearly half - 46 percent - of all the water being used from the Colorado is used to create food for cows to eat. Those half-ton cattle take a lot of food to get up to that weight.

It is estimated that every pound of beef you see on the shelves of your local grocery stores takes over 1800 gallons of water. Quite a lot of that has to do with the ridiculously thirsty alfalfa crop. Impossible Burgers, which you may have seen available at your local store or fast food restaurant, takes nearly one-tenth as much water to create.

Here in Southern Nevada, the water usage has dropped significantly over the last couple decades despite growing wildly in population. A lot of that has to do with the hard work of the SNWA and Las Vegas Valley Water District getting the public educated.

Water that hits a drain in Las Vegas finds its way through the tunnels and sewers, to a treatment facility, and back to the lake. Lawns, on the other hand, soak up the water and don't let go. That's why you never see commercials about taking shorter showers.

So the next time you order a double cheeseburger, picture 18 bathtubs worth of water.

Summer is here, and with it comes the opportunity to enjoy America's beautiful lakes. One of my favorite summer activities is going to a pristine lake. Whether I just hang out on the beach or take a ride in a pontoon, it's always a summer highlight. So, what are some fun things to do at the lake this summer?

Before we get to that, did you know that there's actually a Lakes Appreciation Month? It's true. The North American Lakes Management Society (NALMS) has named July the official Lakes Appreciation Month. The designation is to "focus attention on the value of lakes and reservoirs to society and the threats they face." NALMS also states that their mission is to "forge partnerships among citizens, scientists, and professionals to foster the management and protection of lakes and reservoirs...for today and tomorrow."

One fun fact about lakes is that the lowest lake in the world is the Dead Sea, on the edge of Israel and Jordan. The surface level is 418 m below sea level. That's incredible. Also, the Great Lakes, which are shared between the U.S. and Canada, contain roughly 21% of the world's freshwater supply.

So, what are some engaging activities that you can do on the lake this year? Read on for a list of 10 fun things to do on the lake this summer.

I grew up a swimmer, but some lakes are just too cold for my taste. That said, many people love a refreshing dip into crisp, cold water at their local lake. Just check temperatures before you jump in, because if it's too early in the season, those temperatures could be dangerously cold.

Water often attracts special wildlife that you won't find anywhere else. That makes camping near a lake a very special experience and different from the typical campground. When you're camping, make sure you check out the nature that blossoms around the lakes and wetlands, too.

When I was a little kid, I wanted to go fishing. My dad was not a fisherman by any means and was pretty clueless about it. So, he had a friend of his take us fishing, and it was so fun, even though I didn't catch anything. That said, fishing is a great summer activity on the lake.

If you're looking for an activity to help keep you in shape, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are all great exercise. All of those activities are harder than they look, too, so they can be challenging. But, in the end, you'll have a good time and get in a real workout. Many lakes have places were you can rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe, too.

One of my cousins absolutely loves jet skiing. It's always fun to hear him talk about the experience. I'm not much of a water sports enthusiast, but I can appreciate those who do partake. You don't even have to have your own boat or jet skis, as they are often available for rent nearby.

It's always a charming activity to have a picnic by the lake. Invite some friends or family over and bring some delicious food to enjoy while looking at the water. Oh, and make sure to have ice cream. That's a must.

Hiking near a lake can be extra lovely, as the water can offer glorious scenery to really make your hike memorable. As aforementioned, lakes often attract nature that you don't find anywhere else, so hiking around the water can be a unique experience.

Parties by the lake are always fun. So, get out a grill and invite a bunch of friends down to the beach to enjoy a day or night of partying by the water. But, don't get wasted, because drinking and swimming can be a deadly combination.

Here's my top choice, even though you'll likely find me doing it in the shade: sunbathing. If the water is too cold of you're just not up to more challenging activities, you can get some sun and lay on the beach. But, remember the sunscreen.

Lakeside games are definitely a thing, and there are many quirky games that you can play by the lake. A few enjoyable lake games include water balloon fights, bean bag tosses, horseshoes and more. Pick a game and dig in.