The U.S. Department of Interior officials announced Oct. 28 that they are approving expedited steps for new measures to handle record low water levels at Lake Powell and Lake Mead. These changes could mean water reduction details for the Lower Colorado River Basin amid ongoing drought conditions. The department notes that this may be done “to ensure that the dam continues to meet conditions to produce hydrologic power.” The Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation called on all states along the Colorado Basin to voluntarily reduce water use from the river as Lake Powell sits at 24% capacity and Lake Mead sits near 25% capacity.