‘The crisis is now’: Nevada stares down unprecedented Colorado River cuts

Nevada’s lead Colorado River negotiator said he’s still going to bat for the state behind the scenes as water managers await a final word from the Trump administration.

A paddle boat in Lake Mead near the Hoover Dam, far below the bathtub ring of light minerals indicating the lack of water, near Boulder City, Nev., on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, has reached its lowest recorded level since it was created nearly 90 year