Colorado River reservoir in Utah/Arizona, a major U.S. water and recreation hub
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.
State regulators are inspecting dams after high waters, while federal action pushes more safety reforms; Lake Mead and Powell's levels are affecting power supply and flood readiness, with Michigan dams also facing scrutiny amid spring floods.
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.
Public lands policy moves under renewed scrutiny as the administration signals potential changes to long-standing access rules, with Senators and regulators weighing the impacts on conservation, recreation and energy development.
San Carlos Lake has been closed indefinitely after drought conditions and water releases from the Coolidge Dam caused a mass fish kill, destroying the lake’s fish population. Officials warn of health risks and are prohibiting fishing, harvesting and possession of fish until further notice.
A federal analysis shows Lake Powell could fall to 3,491 feet by March 2027, risking hydropower as the reservoir nears the minimum power pool. Authorities are moving water from Flaming Gorge to stabilize levels while talks among Western governors intensify.