Why the western US is running out of water, in one chart
Vox
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The western United States faces a severe water crisis due to decades of drought, record-low snowfall, and overuse of the Colorado River, which supplies drinking water for more than 40 million people. The river’s water levels have dropped to unprecedented lows, sparking intense disputes among the seven states in the Colorado River Compact (California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming) and tribal nations that rely on it. While negotiations over water apportionment have stalled, with no agreement reached by the Valentine’s Day deadline, the federal government may soon step in to impose its own solution.
Agriculture is the largest consumer of Colorado River water, accounting for 75% of annual usage. A staggering 47% of this water is used to grow alfalfa and hay, nearly all of which feeds beef and dairy cattle. This reliance on raising cows exacerbates the crisis not only through excessive water use but also by contributing to climate change via methane emissions from livestock. Despite the economic inefficiency—alfalfa accounts for just 0.2% of Utah’s GDP while consuming 70% of its water—the industry remains largely unchallenged in public discourse.
The situation is further complicated by the "prior appropriation" doctrine, which prioritizes historical water rights over current needs. This system favors senior users, such as farmers who claimed rights during the 19th century, making it difficult to reallocate water for urban or environmental purposes. Meanwhile, states like California, Arizona, and Nevada have agreed to significant water cuts, while
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Originally published on Vox on 2/20/2026