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Colorado River Basin Loses 27.8 Million Acre-Feet of Water

6/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A startling study from Arizona State University reveals that the Colorado River Basin has lost a staggering 27.8 million acre-feet of groundwater since 2003—enough to fill Lake Mead. This alarming depletion, fueled by unregulated pumping and climate change, jeopardizes water supplies for over 40 million people and vital agriculture across seven states.

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Story summary

A startling study from Arizona State University reveals that the Colorado River Basin has lost a staggering 27.8 million acre-feet of groundwater since 2003—enough to fill Lake Mead. This alarming depletion, fueled by unregulated pumping and climate change, jeopardizes water supplies for over 40 million people and vital agriculture across seven states.