Worsening U.S. drought sparks urgent concerns over shrinking water supplies and rapidly declining water quality.

The drought shows its cruelest impact near the west end of Falls Lake: a moonscape of cracked mud, where great blue herons wade in puddles.

Officials have encouraged local residents to voluntarily reduce water usage by 10% to 15% while the county remains under a drought warning.

South Dakota's combination of heat and drought is being felt beyond farmland and grazing areas. It is also showing up in household expenses, as hotter weather leads to more air co

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows how drought conditions are shaping up as the country moves into July

In the midst of precipitation impacts across the region, Allen Schlag, a hydrologist at NWS Bismarck, said that he only expects "modest changes" in drought designations in western North Dakota.

Augusta Water, the public water provider serving approximately 16,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers throughout Augusta County, announced in a news release on Wednesday, July 1 that it has implemented voluntary water conservation measures for all customers in response to persistent drought conditions affecting the region.

Crashing down a canyon along whitewater rapids is part of what makes Utah a top spot for adventure. But with a historic drought hitting the Beehive State, river guides and local leaders are noticing changes.