The U.S. Drought Monitor's report shows exceptional drought expanding in central Colorado while severe and extreme drought persists across most of Utah. Heat records fell across the West as limited...

Lake Powell nears a critical level while farms, ranches and small towns across the Colorado River Basin struggle with shrinking water supplies.

Water managers began releasing stored water from Elkhead Reservoir on July 13, 2026, to protect Yampa River farms and endangered fish during severe drought.

A Senate committee approved $40 million for Utah water infrastructure in Centerville and Ephraim, plus a flood study for Moab, as drought grips the state.

A July 14 federal forecast shows Arizona and California on track to exceed approved water limits as Tier 1 shortage cuts continue along the lower Colorado River.

Southern California's water agency struck a $65 million federal deal to leave water in a near-historic-low Lake Mead and protect Hoover Dam power generation.