UPDATE: A new report has just revealed a potential water crisis looming in the Colorado River Basin, which serves over 40 million people across seven states and Mexico. The report, titled “Colorado River Insights 2025: Dancing with Deadpool“, highlights alarming reservoir levels that may jeopardize water supply, according to findings from the Colorado Law’s Colorado River Research Group.
As of today, critically low levels in major reservoirs like Lake Powell and Lake Mead threaten the ability to meet vital water obligations. Experts warn that if the region encounters two more dry winters, these reservoirs could fail to provide adequate water supply. Douglas Kenney, director of the Western Water Policy Program at the University of Colorado Law School, stated, “The Colorado River system is now dancing with Deadpool,” emphasizing that the time for action is now, not later.
This urgent matter is exacerbated by a combination of rising temperatures and declining snowpack, which are significantly reducing water supply. Federal agencies are struggling to manage the crisis effectively as their capacity in funding, staffing, and scientific resources diminishes. The report underscores that this predicament threatens not only water deliveries but also hydropower production, with severe implications for the region’s economy.
Moreover, the report highlights concerning equity issues regarding access to clean water. Communities, particularly Hispanic, Black, and Native American populations, face disproportionate exposure to pollution and limited access to safe drinking water. The authors advocate for immediate reforms to reverse the declines in water storage, which are essential for sustainable long-term agreements among states in the basin.
As we witness these alarming developments, the call for comprehensive action to address the water crisis in the Colorado River Basin has never been more urgent. Stakeholders and local governments must prioritize solutions to avert a catastrophic situation affecting millions.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to develop.
