Lake Powell reaches critical low level, threatening power and water supply

Lake Powell, the United States' second‑largest water reservoir, has fallen to roughly 23 % of its capacity. Hydrologists warn that continued drought could force the Glen Canyon Dam to stop generating hydroelectric power and cut off water deliveries to millions in Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. Climate‑driven dryness and historically low snowpack have driven the decline, and experts say even a strong El Niño may not reverse the trend.

In Poland, Warsaw's Jeziorko Czerniakowskie recorded its lowest water level ever, with the lake's volume halved over the past century. Local activists are urging residents to sign petitions urging city authorities to act. Meanwhile, the Żywiec/Tresna reservoir faces severe sediment buildup. Authorities have conducted preliminary studies but lack funds for full dredging, which is estimated to cost up to 181 million zł, endangering flood protection and recreational use.

Both regions illustrate how prolonged drought and insufficient maintenance are putting historic lakes and their associated utilities at risk.