Lake Powell

Federal data typically focuses on the total amount of water stored, but some water has to stay in reservoirs to keep dams working. That means even less is available for cities and farms.

Southern Utah Tribune reporters Mark Eddington and Brooke Larsen joined UPR for a live broadcast in St. George. They talk about the top stories in southern Utah, including the Colorado River.

Lake Powell, the upper Colorado River basin's largest reservoir, is projected to have its lowest summer inflow in its history this summer. Federal agencies have taken emergency measures to prop it up.

Widespread drought and fears of a power crisis forced the Interior Department to start sending billions of gallons of water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Colorado downstream to prop up Lake Powell.

In other news, the Provo City Council unanimously voted against a rezoning request for an AI data center. And, harmful algal blooms were found in Lake Powell.

States that use Colorado River water need to agree on new rules for sharing it by 2026. If they don't, they will likely end up in messy court battles.

Drought conditions in the Rocky Mountains could further lower water levels at Lake Powell.

In other news, St. George is encouraging residents to save power during peak hours of the day during the current heatwave. And, Salt Lake City is launching an e-bike voucher program.

While Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming have one plan in mind, California, Arizona and Nevada have a different idea, and environmental factors only strengthen disagreement.

In other news, two Utah agencies said they received thousands of reports of vehicle collisions with animals. But the real number of collisions may be much higher.