Colorado River — major river in the western United States and Mexico

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Friday, October 30, 2026

Colorado River

major river in the western United States and Mexico

In brief

Environmental advocates are urging the federal government to take swift action to curb what they describe as widespread water waste from the Colorado River — a vital lifeline that supports 40 million people across the…

Lake Powell has fallen to a record low just shy of the Glen Canyon Dam’s hydropower threshold, signaling a looming crisis for electricity and water in the drought-stricken West, while Lake Mead has reached its own record-low level, imperiling hydroelectric power and water supply for millions. Together, the two reservoirs, which store about 60% of the Colorado River’s water, reflect decades of drought intensifying with climate change and overuse, threatening energy generation and regional livelihoods across seven states.

LatestArizona Joins Nevada Lawsuit Over Colorado River CutsArizona has joined Nevada’s lawsuit challenging the federal Colorado River plan, arguing it unfairly places water cuts on Lower Basin states without requiring mandatory reductions from the Upper Basin. The Upper Basin states say they already use less water when river flows decline and have different legal obligations, while Arizona says it will continue negotiating with Nevada and California on conservation.Oct 19, 2026