Colorado River's largest reservoirs hit historic lows

The two largest reservoirs on the Colorado River—Lake Powell and Lake Mead—have reached a combined historic low not seen since 1956, before the Glen Canyon Dam was built, according to a study released Friday. Both reservoirs are at about one-quarter capacity, threatening water and power for over 40 million people across six states.

The Numbers

• As of July 12, Lake Mead is at 27% capacity and Lake Powell at 24%. Together they store about 60% of the Colorado River system's water. Source: infobae

Why It Matters

The reservoirs supply water and hydropower to California, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and New Mexico. The declining levels increase pressure on a system already strained by prolonged drought and overuse. Source: diariolibree

Disagreement

Expert Jack Schmidt notes that while the situation raises questions about infrastructure, the seven basin states are not yet ready for deep management changes. Source: infobae Meanwhile, the Bureau of Reclamation has reduced releases from Lake Powell to maintain dam operations. Source: diariolibree

What's Next

States are negotiating new water-sharing rules as current guidelines expire at year's end. The analysis calls for reducing consumption to address the structural deficit where demand exceeds supply. Source: infobae, diariolibree