Drought continues to affect waterways across much of the United States, with some of the nation’s major reservoirs reaching critically low levels. In the Southwest, Elephant Butte, Lake Mead and Lake Powell are now among the reservoirs closest to “dead pool,” the point when water can no longer flow downstream through a dam’s outlets.

The impacts extend well beyond shrinking shorelines. Low reservoir levels can threaten drinking water supplies, agriculture and hydropower while also affecting recreation and aquatic ecosystems. With drought conditions reaching other parts of the country as well, these reservoirs offer a striking reminder of how much our communities depend on reliable water supplies.

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