Lake Powell is 30 feet from the point where water may stop flowing past the dam entirely and the expert who's spent his whole life on this river says we're asking the wrong question. We're not running out of water. We're running out of cheap water.

On this episode of "Deseret Voices" with Jane Clayson Johnson, water law professor Rhett Larson of Arizona State University breaks down the Colorado River crisis with the nuance that headlines miss. He explains why the seven states that share this river have been deadlocked for years, why the rules governing their water expire at the end of 2026 with no replacement, and why the federal government is now stepping in with cuts that Arizona's governor has called "draconian."

You'll learn why Lake Powell hitting dead pool could mean no winter vegetables for the entire country, why the 1922 Colorado River Compact was built on bad math, why farmers shouldn't be the scapegoats in this crisis, and why Larson — a self-described optimist — is now telling people to get worried. He also explains what data centers, semiconductor plants, and the AI boom mean for your water bill.

Whether you live in Phoenix or Philadelphia, this conversation will change how you think about the water that flows through your food, your electricity, and your future.

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).