The US government has declared a water shortage for the first time due to the ongoing drought in the Colorado River in the southwestern part of the country. The western US has been plagued by persistent drought for months.
The Colorado River supplies water to about 40 million people. This immense river is also called the West Nile to emphasize its importance to the farmers and residents of this part of the United States.
The drought is leading to shortages of irrigation water for the vast agricultural lands and grain fields. Firefighting efforts against the numerous wildfires are also facing shortages of extinguishing water. Starting in October, restrictions will be imposed on water withdrawals from rivers and lakes.
Strict precautionary measures are now being announced in various states, including regarding water usage. California is urging residents to conserve electricity because the power grid is under great pressure.
The current drought does not stand alone. Recent research into tree rings shows that the western United States has been experiencing a so-called megadrought for more than twenty years. According to scientists, it is one of the worst and longest-lasting droughts in 1,200 years.
Lake Mead, the water reservoir of the Hoover Dam near Las Vegas, has dropped to its lowest level ever. Lake Mead is the largest artificial lake in the US. The water level of Lake Powell, the second largest reservoir in the US, has also fallen to a historic low.
One of the causes of the drought in recent years is the lack of rain due to a weak La Niña wind and tidal current. However, scientists also see a strong connection between the drought, the wildfires, and human-caused climate change.