Colorado River in the news: drought and low flows spark talks of bigger water projects and cutbacks across AZ, CA, NV. Key facts: 1,450 miles, powers SW US, drains vast Basin.
Recent assessments show mountain snowpack in the Western US peaked a month early with only half the usual moisture, signaling worsening drought and increasing wildfire risks. Cities and ranchers face water shortages, while ski resorts struggle with minimal snowfall and early closures.
San Diego County's seawater desalination plant has operated at about one-third capacity since opening, prompting the water authority to explore interstate sales of Colorado River water rights as drought reduces flow into basin reservoirs and heightens scarcity across the West.
The Lewis & Clark Regional Water System and related projects are expanding water capacity along the Missouri River. The base system now delivers 44 million gallons daily to 20 communities, with two expansions under way and a separate pipeline project to support growth in the Black Hills region. Together, the initiatives could cost tens of billions and serve hundreds of thousands more residents over the next 40–50 years.