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AZ water future uncertain as leaders deal with severe shortages on Colorado River

Arizona will have to learn to live with less water from the Colorado River.

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Arizona will have to learn to live with less water from the Colorado River.

Highlights

  • A twenty-two-year drought across the West, compounded by climate change has caused historic shortages on the river and the lakes that store it.
  • The river accounts for 40% of Arizona’s water supply.
  • Lake Powell sits on the Arizona-Utah border and is the second-largest reservoir on river.
  • But its water level has fallen within 30 feet of dead pool elevation.
  • That is the point where water could no longer be released through the Glen Canyon Dam which would also prevent its generation of electricity.
  • Earlier this week, the U.S.