2 largest US reservoirs hit record lows amid western drought

The Colorado River supplies water to two of the United States' largest reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead, which were built to distribute water year-round and generate electricity. However, these reservoirs have hit record lows due to a severe drought affecting the West. The drought highlights the challenges posed by climate change to the Colorado River, a vital resource for 40 million people.

Lake Powell, mostly located in Utah, reached a water level of 3,519.80 feet above sea level, just below its previous low set in 2023. On the other hand, Lake Mead, created by the Hoover Dam between Nevada and Arizona, fell to 1,039.70 feet. The states that rely on the Colorado River have been locked in a dispute over water sharing for years, impeding any agreement.

The Trump administration intervened to address the drought, proposing restrictions that would require California, Arizona, and Nevada to cut their water consumption by up to 3.7 billion cubic meters per year until 2036. The plan does not impose significant demands on Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico. This unequal burden may result in a legal dispute, with Arizona already setting aside funds for potential lawsuits.