Trump administration eyes major cuts as Colorado River reservoirs hit record lows

Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the two largest reservoirs on the Colorado River, have dropped to their lowest levels on record, intensifying a water shortage that affects seven western states. The river, which supplies water to the upper-basin states of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico and the lower-basin states of California, Arizona and Nevada, is facing a shortfall driven by reduced snowpack, a warming climate and regional population growth.

The Trump administration is preparing to impose water-use cuts that could be nearly twice the 1.6 million acre-feet per year reduction offered by California, Arizona and Nevada for the next two years. The larger cuts would raise municipal water costs, tighten outdoor-use restrictions and impact agricultural users, who account for most of the river’s flow.

Kelly Shannon McNeill, managing director of LA Waterkeeper, said lower-basin states have reduced their Colorado River consumption by about 20 % since 2015, while upper-basin states have increased use and “can’t afford cuts,” attributing the stalemate to a lack of political will. She urged residents to contact elected officials and negotiators to reach an agreement.

If Lake Powell’s level falls another 33 feet, it will drop below the threshold needed for hydroelectric generation, preventing water from passing through the dam. With both reservoirs at less than 30 % capacity, officials face mounting pressure to resolve the dispute quickly.