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State official outlines proposed federal cuts to Colorado River water for Arizona, California and Nevada

State official outlines proposed federal cuts to Colorado River water for Arizona, California and Nevada

By Andrew Hay July 27 (Reuters) - A U.S. plan for sharing the waters of the drought-stricken Colorado River would require Arizona, California and Nevada to cut their water use by a fifth in the next two years and to make even deeper reductions later, a senior water official from one of those states
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Lake Mead and Lake Powell Face Record Low Water Levels, Threatening Water Supply

Lake Mead and Lake Powell Face Record Low Water Levels, Threatening Water Supply

Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the two largest reservoirs in the United States, are nearing record low water levels, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. As of late July 2026, Lake Mead's water level was recorded at 1,041.17 feet, close to its record low of 1,040.58 feet in July 2022. Lake Powell's level was at 3,522.78 feet, approaching its previous low of 3,519.92 feet set in April 2023. These reservoirs are crucial for providing water to 40 million people and generating hydropower for seven states. The ongoing drought and reduced snowpack have exacerbated the situation, with experts warning that without significant conservation efforts, the reservoirs may not sustain current water demands.
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Monsoon Rains Provide Limited Relief Amid Colorado's Historic Drought

Monsoon Rains Provide Limited Relief Amid Colorado's Historic Drought

Colorado is experiencing a historic drought, with much of the state under exceptional drought conditions. Despite the onset of the North American monsoon bringing some rain, officials warn that the fire danger remains high. The drought has persisted for over three months, affecting counties such as Summit, Eagle, and Pitkin. Fire officials caution that while rain may reduce the number of fire starts, the dry conditions could quickly return if the rain stops, maintaining the risk of wildfires.
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Colorado River Reservoirs Reach Record Lows Amidst Water Crisis in Western U.S.

Colorado River Reservoirs Reach Record Lows Amidst Water Crisis in Western U.S.

The Colorado River's two largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, have hit record low levels, exacerbating the water crisis in the Western United States. Disagreements among the seven states that rely on the river have stalled progress on water-sharing agreements. Federal officials are considering imposing significant cuts to water usage, which could impact cities, agriculture, and hydroelectric power generation. The crisis is driven by reduced snowpack due to climate change and increased demand from population growth.
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Historic Low Water Levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead Threaten Water Supply for Millions

Historic Low Water Levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead Threaten Water Supply for Millions

The water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead, two of the largest reservoirs in the United States, have reached historic lows, posing a significant threat to the water supply for tens of millions of people. These reservoirs are crucial components of the Colorado River system, which provides water to 40 million people and irrigates over 5 million acres of farmland. The current levels are the lowest since 1957, with Lake Powell at 23% capacity and Lake Mead at 27%. This decline is attributed to increased water demand and climate change, which has resulted in hotter, drier conditions and reduced snowpack. The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing drought affecting 95% of the Colorado River Basin.
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Lake Mead Approaches New Record Low Amid Ongoing Water Supply Concerns

Lake Mead Approaches New Record Low Amid Ongoing Water Supply Concerns

Lake Mead, a critical water source for Southern Nevada, is nearing a new record low water level, just inches away from its previous low set four years ago. As of July 27, 2026, the water level was recorded at 1,041.27 feet above sea level, close to the historic low of 1,040.58 feet set in 2022. The decline in water levels is attributed to a combination of factors, including a record-low snowpack and reduced water flows into Lake Mead to protect Lake Powell's infrastructure. The Bureau of Reclamation has projected that Lake Mead could fall below its previous record by the end of the month, with further declines expected in the coming years.
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Lake Mead and Lake Powell Reach Record Low Levels, Intensifying Water Supply Challenges

Lake Mead and Lake Powell Reach Record Low Levels, Intensifying Water Supply Challenges

The two largest reservoirs in the United States, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, have reached their lowest levels on record. This development is exacerbating water supply challenges for several states that rely on these reservoirs. The dwindling water levels are a result of prolonged drought conditions and increased water demand, putting pressure on states to manage and share the limited water resources effectively.
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Colorado's Natural Gas Debate Intensifies Amid Data Center Growth

Colorado's Natural Gas Debate Intensifies Amid Data Center Growth

Colorado's Natural Gas Debate Intensifies Amid Data Center Growth
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Colorado Scientists Launch Fat Marmot Week to Highlight Ecosystem Health

Colorado Scientists Launch Fat Marmot Week to Highlight Ecosystem Health

Marmot scientists at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gothic, Colorado, have announced the first-ever Fat Marmot Week, scheduled for August 24-29. This event invites the public to vote for their favorite marmot in a bracket-style competition, similar to the well-known Fat Bear Week at Katmai National Park. Marmots, the largest members of the squirrel family, gain significant weight in the summer to survive the winter hibernation. The event aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by marmots and the ecosystems they inhabit. This year, early snowmelt and a record low-snowpack have affected marmot survival and food availability, with many marmots dying over the winter.
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Fourth Firefighter Dies Following Colorado Blaze Amid Ongoing Wildfires in Western U.S.

Fourth Firefighter Dies Following Colorado Blaze Amid Ongoing Wildfires in Western U.S.

A fourth firefighter, Nathan Matthews, has died from injuries sustained during a wildfire near the Colorado-Utah border in June. The blaze, which rapidly expanded, had previously claimed the lives of three other firefighters. Matthews was part of a Helitack crew, a specialized team deployed by helicopter to combat fast-moving fires in remote areas. The incident occurred as several wildfires continue to burn across the western United States, with one of the most severe fires threatening the town of Sisters in central Oregon. This fire, fueled by dry and windy conditions, has burned approximately 40 square miles and is only 5% contained. Efforts to control the fire are ongoing, with local officials expressing cautious optimism about the situation.
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Lakewood's Floating Wetlands Program Successfully Reduces Algal Blooms in Local Lake

Lakewood's Floating Wetlands Program Successfully Reduces Algal Blooms in Local Lake

A pilot program in Lakewood, Colorado, has demonstrated success in reducing algal blooms through the use of floating wetlands. These artificial islands, designed to mimic natural wetlands, have been deployed in a popular swimming lake to address the issue of excessive algae growth. The initiative aims to improve water quality by utilizing the natural filtration capabilities of wetland plants, which absorb nutrients that would otherwise contribute to algal proliferation. This approach not only enhances the ecological health of the lake but also ensures its continued recreational use by the community.
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Colorado Wildfires Cost Taxpayers $266 Million Amid Drought

Colorado Wildfires Cost Taxpayers $266 Million Amid Drought

Colorado's Drought Task Force has revealed that the state's four largest wildfires have cost taxpayers $266 million. The announcement was made during a recent meeting, highlighting the financial toll of the ongoing drought and its role in exacerbating wildfire risks. The state has been grappling with severe drought conditions, which have created a conducive environment for wildfires to spread rapidly, causing extensive damage to property and natural resources.