Seven Western states are facing a massive water and power crisis as soon as next year as water levels are plummet at Lake Powell, one of two main reservoirs on the Colorado River, due to drought and overuse. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the urgency of the crisis and what states and the federal government are doing to combat it.

Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO.

Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro.

Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.

Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Colorado River water crisis is getting much worse