Water scarcity is a critical environmental challenge for the Rocky Mountains due to climate change and increasing water demand.

Water scarcity in the Rocky Mountains is intensified by climate change, which reduces snowpack and causes earlier snowmelt. The Rockies supply water to much of the western United States, feeding major rivers like the Colorado River that support agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower. However, warmer temperatures mean less snow accumulation and faster melting, resulting in less water availability in late summer. This scarcity threatens ecosystems, wildlife, and nearby communities, making it essential to address water conservation and sustainable management to protect this vital resource and ensure regional stability and biodiversity.