Monsoon storms eased drought in parts of Arizona and New Mexico this week, but extreme and exceptional drought still gripped much of Colorado and Wyoming.

Lake Mead dropped to 1,040.5 feet on August 7, 2026, the lowest level ever recorded, as the drought-stricken West faces a deepening water crisis.

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez demands answers from Homeland Security on border wall wells drilled in Luna County, New Mexico, saying the ranchers' water fight is not over.

Walsenburg's City Council approved Stage 3 water conservation measures, effective Aug. 7, 2026, after extreme drought and a falling Wahatoya Lake.

A new Congressional Research Service report examines data center water use, including Colorado River supplies, reuse and growing demands.

Twelve projects will share $9.2 million in federal funding to improve desalination, water reuse, waste brine treatment and energy efficiency.