The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently reported that July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous United States, with an average temperature of 76.9 degrees Fahrenheit, 3.3 degrees above the 20th-century average. NOAA’s records began in 1895.

Aside from higher electric bills, soaring temperatures present challenges to water supplies that serve us all.

One example is the Colorado River Basin, where recent reports indicate that Lake Powell, the nation's second-largest reservoir, has fallen to a record low level. The reservoir plays a critical role in providing water, hydropower, recreation opportunities and environmental benefits for communities throughout the West.

Rising temperatures are one of several factors affecting water supplies. According to Plain Talk about Drinking Water, a changing climate is impacting water levels and water quality by increasing evaporation and affecting water use demands.

Communities are experiencing these impacts. Earlier snowmelt can reduce water availability later in the year. Rising sea levels can allow saltwater to find its way into freshwater sources. Warmer water temperatures may contribute to increased algal growth, creating challenges at water treatment plants. Wildfires can also affect water sources, both as they burn and for years afterward, as ash, sediment, and debris run off into waterways.

Water utilities across North America are investing in innovative strategies to ensure reliable water supplies for future generations. These approaches include water reuse projects, aquifer storage and recovery, drought-resilient planning, conservation programs, and water banking arrangements that help communities better manage limited resources.

You can also help conserve by taking simple actions such as fixing household leaks, using water-efficient appliances, watering landscapes wisely and following local conservation guidelines. By planning ahead and using water wisely, we can help ensure a sustainable and resilient water future.