Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Colorado River Basin Loses 27.8 Million Acre-Feet of Groundwater

5/28/2025

50 10

Summary

Story summary

The Colorado River basin has suffered a staggering loss of 27.8 million acre-feet of groundwater over the past two decades—enough to fill Lake Mead. This alarming depletion, driven by unchecked agricultural pumping and exacerbated by climate change, jeopardizes water supplies for 40 million people across seven states, threatening agriculture and local economies alike.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Colorado River basin has suffered a staggering loss of 27.8 million acre-feet of groundwater over the past two decades—enough to fill Lake Mead. This alarming depletion, driven by unchecked agricultural pumping and exacerbated by climate change, jeopardizes water supplies for 40 million people across seven states, threatening agriculture and local economies alike.