Landmark 2012 study (in English, .pdf file) prepared by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation detailing the alarming condition of the Colorado River. The unrelenting drought, which began in 1999, declining precipitation due to global warming, and increasing demand will inevitably result in a chronic shortfall. In an effort to offset it, states are pumping more groundwater, but that too is unsustainable as it is being rapidly depleted. Since 80% of the water is used in agriculture, food production will decline, new construction will be stymied, and thousands of jobs will be lost. In a nutshell, unless something drastic is done, and soon, the situation will get much, much worse.