December 18, 2022

Source: NPCA

The Colorado River provides drinking water and hydropower to more than 40 million people in the Southwest — but more water has been parceled out among its many users than actually exists in the river. As climate change has exacerbated severe drought conditions in the region, water shortages worsened to a crisis point this past year, forcing widespread rationing and bringing unforeseen consequences. Low levels now threaten the everyday water and power use of residents across seven states and numerous Tribal lands — as well as the survival of the humpback chub, a recovering species that once represented a wildlife success story.

Read more: Climate Change Forces Difficult Decisions Along the Colorado River