Drought Conditions in Western States
Water Shortage Challenges and Legislative Options
The following is a summary of West-wide drought conditions, a brief description of challenges water managers face in meeting the demands of the West’s economy, population, and ecosystems, and a discussion of potential options for addressing some of these challenges. ■ West-wide Drought Conditions Drought conditions vary greatly throughout the 17 Western States — territory containing hundreds of Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) projects and millions of acres of Federal land. Drought conditions can persist for years or change rapidly with one large storm or high heat period. Current Conditions. As of May 26, 2015, roughly 51 percent of the contiguous…
