Cecilia Lei

Watering lawns, washing your car, even getting a glass of water at a restaurant.

In a number of Western states, people are facing the prospect of curbs on these everyday choices.

That's because officials are grappling with a deepening drought.

Trevor Hughes is a national correspondent with USA Today who covers the West.

Hughes traveled to Lake Dillon, a reservoir in the Colorado Rockies, and filmed himself lying on an exposed sandy lake bed and pointed out that under normal conditions, he'd be drowning.

Today, the lake sits at less than 60% full.

A pivot to the beach is also what happened to the McLaughlins, who Hughes mentions in his piece.

The family booked a ski trip to Lake Dillon months ago.

Colorado is facing its worst snowpack since statewide records began tracking in 1941.

That's not just bad news for would-be skiers.

This is water that would typically feed into the Colorado River, which is vital for a host of states in the region.

That includes things like growing alfalfa for cattle to eat or growing fruits and vegetables in parts of California.

A longtime expert on Western water told USA Today that 2026 may be the worst year for Colorado river flow ever recorded.

That's why cities have been resorting to some preemptive measures that are impacting people's daily habits.

Salt Lake City announced a 10% cut in daily water use.

Some Denver restaurants have been told to only serve water to customers who request it.

There are also concerns for wildfire season as drier lands become more flammable.

Snow is forecasted for parts of northern Colorado, but it's only minor relief.

One rancher told the Associated Press he's hoping for a lot more to get out of the drought.

And finally, a few other stories we're following.