The water crisis threatens millions of people across the Colorado River Basin, including major cities like Phoenix and Tucson. Lower Basin states face potential unilateral cuts from the federal government, which could disproportionately affect junior water rights holders. Reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell are nearing historically low levels, jeopardizing water supplies and hydropower generation. Scientists attribute the crisis to decades of overuse and climate change, which has intensified drought conditions. Without a comprehensive agreement among the seven states relying on the river, the risk of catastrophic water shortages looms large.