Utah officials warn of ‘totally unprecedented’ water shortages as towns run dry

The Salt Lake Tribune Utah’s top official overseeing the Colorado River gave a serious warning alongside his counterparts from other states Tuesday: Utah’s farmers and ranchers, as well as some rural towns, are grappling with drastic water shortages from the ongoing drought. “I want you all to recognize the significance and severity of the things we’re dealing with — totally unprecedented,” said Gene Shawcroft, Utah’s Colorado River commissioner, during Tuesday’s meeting of the Upper Colorado River Commission.