# Colorado River water crisis > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colorado-river-water-crisis > Updated: 2026-08-09T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. The Western United States is experiencing a significant water crisis due to a worsening drought in the Colorado River, which is partially influenced by climate change. The crisis affects approximately one in ten Americans who rely on the river for their water supply. As the situation has progressed, Lake Mead has reached its lowest water level since it was first filled nearly 90 years ago, dropping to approximately 317.1 meters above sea level. This decline, caused by prolonged drought and low snowpack in the Rocky Mountains, threatens the water and electricity supplies for 40 million people across seven U.S. states, tribal nations, and Mexico. The shortage impacts agriculture, industry, and hydropower production. While the Bureau of Reclamation has planned water releases from Lake Powell to Lake Mead as an emergency measure, officials warn these actions may reduce hydropower output from the Hoover Dam. Currently, the seven states in the Colorado River Basin are working toward a long-term agreement on resource sharing before current operating rules expire at the end of 2026. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-09: Colorado River crisis: Lake Mead hits historic low water levels Lake Mead has reached a historic low due to the Colorado River crisis, threatening water and power supplies for 40 million people in the American West and Mexico. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colorado-river-crisis-lake-mead-hits-historic-low-water-levels ### 2026-08-07: Colorado River water crisis impacts Western US states Western US states are confronting a water crisis as the Colorado River dries up due to worsening drought and climate change, affecting one in ten Americans. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colorado-river-water-crisis-impacts-western-us-states --- Cite as: Colorado River water crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colorado-river-water-crisis