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Colorado River Crisis: Water Levels Plummet, Millions at Risk

2/12/2026

36 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Colorado River Basin faces a severe water crisis due to overuse and climate change.
Reservoirs Lake Mead and Lake Powell are below 30% capacity.
River flows have declined by 20% this century.
Glen Canyon Dam is at risk due to inadequate spillway capacity as water levels fall.
The Bureau of Reclamation has delayed addressing these issues after a November 2025 deadline was missed, threatening deliveries to 25 million people.

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Story summary

The Colorado River Basin faces a severe water crisis due to overuse and climate change.
Reservoirs Lake Mead and Lake Powell are below 30% capacity.
River flows have declined by 20% this century.
Glen Canyon Dam is at risk due to inadequate spillway capacity as water levels fall.
The Bureau of Reclamation has delayed addressing these issues after a November 2025 deadline was missed, threatening deliveries to 25 million people.