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Rivers Run Dry: Historic Lows Threaten Water Supplies
11 Jun
Summary
- Numerous US rivers show historic low streamflow, impacting water supplies.
- USGS data reveals dozens of stations in the lowest 2% of historical records.
- Southwest and south-central US, particularly Texas and Arizona, are most affected.
Across the United States, from the Texas Hill Country to the Arizona highlands and the central Great Plains, a growing number of rivers are experiencing historically low streamflow. Real-time data indicates that waterways are slowing to a trickle, with some flowing at less than 1% of their typical seasonal volume. This reduction in flow is a critical early indicator of hydrological drought.
Dozens of U.S. Geological Survey observation stations nationwide are reporting streamflow levels in the lowest 2% of their historical records. These critical areas are concentrated in drought-prone regions, notably Texas, Kansas, Arizona, and Colorado. Rivers like the Guadalupe and Salt Rivers are among those experiencing severe declines, raising concerns for essential resources.
