The Economic Times

In 2000, the American West entered a megadrought that became its driest stretch in roughly 1,200 years. Years later, it left major lakes and reservoirs majorly depleted, with some losing enough water to expose miles of lakebed

Western North America's lakes are facing alarming water scarcity due to an extensive megadrought combined with significant water diversion. Notably, Lake Mead and Lake Powell have dwindled to just a small portion of their prior sizes. Similarly, the Great Salt Lake and Walker Lake have experienced drastic reductions in their water levels. The future for these crucial water bodies is fraught with challenges as they struggle to recover and stabilize.