In the Southwest, three major reservoirs now sit closer to “dead pool” than any others in the country. A reservoir reaches dead pool when its water level falls so low that water can no longer flow downstream through the dam’s outlets. At that point, water deliveries can be disrupted and the dam may no longer be able to generate hydropower.

Elephant Butte Nears Empty

One of the most striking examples is Elephant Butte Reservoir, the largest reservoir in New Mexico. Located along the Rio Grande, the reservoir plays an important role in a region where water is already a precious resource.

As of mid-July 2026, Elephant Butte had fallen to just 2–3% of capacity. The consequences of such low water levels extend well beyond the reservoir itself. Elephant Butte provides irrigation water for hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland in New Mexico and Texas and supplies a portion of El Paso’s water.

Low reservoir levels can also affect recreation and local communities that depend on visitors coming to the lake. As shorelines retreat, boat ramps and marinas can become difficult or impossible to use, changing how people are able to access and enjoy the water.

Lake Powell and Lake Mead Remain Critically Low

Elephant Butte isn’t alone. Lake Powell and Lake Mead, two of the largest and best-known reservoirs in the United States, also remain at historically low levels.

Both are part of the Colorado River system, a water source relied upon by approximately 40 million people and more than five million acres of agricultural land.

In July, Lake Powell was at roughly 27% of capacity. Its water level was about 70 feet above the elevation at which Glen Canyon Dam would no longer be able to generate hydropower.

Farther downstream, Lake Mead was also around 27% full. The reservoir stores water used by communities, farms and businesses in Arizona, California, Nevada and Mexico, while Hoover Dam uses water released from Lake Mead to generate electricity.

Years of drought, combined with the enormous demand placed on the Colorado River, have left both reservoirs far below the levels they once routinely reached.

The Effects Reach Beyond the Southwest

Drought isn’t only a concern in the desert Southwest. This summer’s conditions across other parts of the country are another reminder of how closely our communities are tied to reliable water supplies.

Lower water levels can affect agriculture, drinking water, hydropower and recreation, but they can also change the waterways themselves. Reduced flows and shallower water can lead to warmer water temperatures and changes in water quality and aquatic habitat. Fish and other aquatic organisms may have less suitable habitat available, while recreational access can become more difficult.

Reservoirs are designed to capture water during wetter periods and make it available when conditions turn dry. But when drought continues year after year, even enormous reservoirs have limits.

The conditions at Elephant Butte, Lake Powell and Lake Mead offer a striking reminder that the health and availability of our water resources cannot be taken for granted. Whether it’s a massive reservoir in the Southwest or a lake or river closer to home, reliable water supplies are essential to communities, agriculture, recreation, wildlife and healthy aquatic ecosystems.

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Managing Eurasian watermilfoil often requires a long-term commitment and a combination of management techniques. Mechanical harvesting, hand removal, bottom barriers, biological controls, and aquatic herbicides are all commonly used to reduce infestations and improve waterway access. Each method offers advantages and limitations, and many lake managers rely on integrated management programs that combine multiple approaches to achieve their goals.

One herbicide that has gained significant attention in recent years is ProcellaCOR®, a selective aquatic herbicide designed to target invasive plants while minimizing impacts on many native species. Lake associations and resource managers across the country have used ProcellaCOR to combat persistent milfoil infestations, often reporting successful control of invasive growth and improved conditions for recreation and native plant recovery.

However, as with any management tool, questions remain about potential long-term effects and environmental persistence.

Findings from Lake George

Following a ProcellaCOR treatment in Lake George, New York, researchers conducted independent sampling of water, sediment, and aquatic plants to better understand how the herbicide behaved within the ecosystem after application.

According to the study, degradants associated with the herbicide were detected in the upper layer of sediment five months after treatment. Researchers also reported finding the herbicide’s active ingredient, florpyrauxifen benzyl, in deeper sediment layers more than a year after application.

These findings have generated discussion among lake residents, scientists, and resource managers regarding how herbicide compounds interact with lake sediments and whether long-term accumulation may occur under certain conditions.

Balancing Benefits and Concerns

For many lake communities, ProcellaCOR has become an important tool in the ongoing effort to control invasive milfoil. Dense infestations can significantly impact recreation, property values, water flow, and native aquatic plant communities. Effective control methods can provide substantial benefits when invasive species threaten the health and usability of a lake.

At the same time, some residents and environmental advocates have expressed concerns about possible unintended consequences of repeated herbicide use. Questions have been raised regarding sediment persistence, impacts on non-target organisms, and the long-term effects on lake ecology. While current research continues to evaluate these issues, many stakeholders are calling for additional monitoring and independent studies to better understand the full environmental picture.

The Importance of Integrated Aquatic Plant Management

The debate surrounding Eurasian watermilfoil management highlights the complexity of aquatic ecosystem stewardship. There is rarely a single solution that works for every lake or waterway. Factors such as infestation size, waterbody characteristics, management goals, budget, and environmental considerations all influence the selection of appropriate control methods.

Mechanical harvesting continues to play an important role in many aquatic plant management programs by physically removing plant biomass from the waterway without introducing chemicals into the ecosystem. Harvesting can improve navigation, reduce nuisance growth, and remove nutrients contained within the harvested vegetation. In many cases, harvesting is used alongside other management strategies as part of a comprehensive aquatic plant management plan.

As research continues and new information becomes available, lake managers, regulators, and stakeholders will need to evaluate all available tools carefully. Ongoing monitoring, transparent reporting, and science-based decision making remain essential for protecting both recreational access and long-term ecosystem health.

The conversation surrounding ProcellaCOR and Eurasian watermilfoil management is likely to continue as additional studies are completed. For lake associations and water resource managers, understanding both the benefits and potential tradeoffs of available management options remains a critical part of maintaining healthy and usable waterways.

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