Story perspectives

Colorado River Faces Historic Low Runoff, Urgent Action Needed

3/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Federal forecasters warn Colorado River Basin faces its third-worst runoff season, with Lake Powell inflows at 1.75 million acre-feet from April through July.
The lower inflows stem from below-average precipitation and an unusual heat wave.
The Colorado River system supplies water to 40 million people and irrigates 5 million acres of farmland.
The Bureau of Reclamation is monitoring conditions and urging state negotiators to resolve issues before litigation delays progress.

1 of 1

Story summary

Federal forecasters warn Colorado River Basin faces its third-worst runoff season, with Lake Powell inflows at 1.75 million acre-feet from April through July.
The lower inflows stem from below-average precipitation and an unusual heat wave.
The Colorado River system supplies water to 40 million people and irrigates 5 million acres of farmland.
The Bureau of Reclamation is monitoring conditions and urging state negotiators to resolve issues before litigation delays progress.